HAMILTON LIGHT INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2319, 21 May 1887, Page 3

HAMILTON LIGHT INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS.

Inspection Parade.

The first inspection parade of the above corps took place on Thursday ovening last in the Volunteer Hall, the inspecting officer being Lieut.-Col. Shepherd, District Adjutaut. Notwithstanding the shortness of the notice, nearly every member of the corps was present. Shortly before 8 o'clock Colonel Shepherd, accompanied by his Worship the Mayor and the Mayoress of Hamilton, entered the hall. The corps, which had previously been drawn up into line, were then put through a short drill, after which the colonel passed up and down the ranks inspecting the men. At the conclusion of the drill the inspecting officer addressed a few complimentary words to the corps. He said the first thing that he noticed upon the room was the steai )ess of the men in the ranks, which was a very good sign, and spoke well for tho future welfare of the corps. Indeed, ho was surprised at tho progress they had made in so short a time, and he trusted that they would pay attention to their officers. He was sure they would be able to give a good account of themselves upon his next visit. There was already a very fine corps in the Waikato, namely, the Te Awamutu Cavalry, which were a credit to the district. From what he had seen of the men he was very pleased; they were the makings of a fine corps. He was not in the habit of giving praise unless it was merited, and at any future time if he had occasion to find fault they would hear it. Attention in the ranks and obedience to the officers were essential to the success of a corps, and from what he had seen he thought that the Hamilton Volunteers would be a credit to the district. Ho was sorry that there were not sufficient rifles to supply the corps, but when they had the requisite number sent in they would at once be forwarded on to them. The company were fortunate in procuring such an officer as Captain Reid for their captain, who so thoroughly understood his drill. He hoped the next time he visited them that they would then be in uniform, which would give a very different tone to the corps. Turning to the Mayor, he complimented him upon the fine appearance of the men, and said they were a credit to the Waikato. In conclusion the Colonel gave the members of the corps a little advice as to keeping their arms and accoutrements clean. The arms were now in good condition and clean, and he hoped the men would keep them so. His Worship the Mayor of Hamilton in a few well chosen remarks thanked the Colonel for what he had said about the men. It was very gratifying to him t,o hear such complimentary remarks, and he folt proud of the corps. He was an old Volunteer of 10 years standing, and he could tell them that he took a deep interest in volunteering, and although he had notcomo to see them drill before, his thoughts were with them each time he heard the bugle call. He trusted they would pay attention to their drill and obey their officers, for discipline was the most essential quality in a soldier. After the departure of the inspecting , officer the rifles were served out to thos > who had attended tho most drills. The remainder will be given out as soon as received. Prior to dismissing the company, Cnpt. Reid read an extract from the New Zealand Gazette of 12th May, notifying the appointment by His Excellency the Governor of Dr. Wilfrid Murch as honorary surgeon, and the Rev. R. O'Callaghan Biggs as honorary chaplain to tho corps, commissions to date from 29th April, ISS7.