TE AWAMUTU.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2320, 24 May 1887, Page 2

TE AWAMUTU.

The Cavalry Troop.

The cavalry troop met for the usual halfyearly drill 011 Thursday, under command of Captain Rutherford and Lieutenant Storey, thirty' being present. This may appear at first as if the troop was decreasing in number, but the Raglan contingent, numbering twenty, having done their drill, were not required to come over here. Besides those there were ten or twelve men either sick or temporarily absent from the district, so that it will be seen from this that the troop is still up to its standard of strength. On Saturday the men were inspected by Colonel Shepherd, who had them put through a severe course of drill and exercise by Lieutenant Storey. Colonel Shepherd was well satisfied with Lieutenant Storey's ability and the precision with which the men went through the various evolutions, Captain Rutherford told the inspecting oflicer that this would be the last time ho (the colonel) would inspect the troop with him as the commanding officer, as he intended resigning his commission as captain. Colonel Shepherd expressed his regret at Captain Rutherford s statement, and hoped he would reconsider his decision. Personally, he regretted it very much, and ho knew the commanding officers in the district regretted it also, All with whom Captain Rutherford had come in contact, or with whom he had had communications, entertained a high opinion of his service as an officer, aud lie felt sure lus resignation would be a great disadvantage to the troop, which had done so well under his command. Captain Rutherford expressed his acknowledgements to Colonel Shepherd for his complimentary remarks, but he had fully made up his mind. He had filled the post for a long time, and he found that it mado greater demands on his time than he could afford, and as the troop was well established he thought there should be no difficulty in getting another man to fill his place. On Saturday fourteen of the Waiuku troop, under Captain Barriball and Lieutenant Barriball, arrived by the afternoon train to take part iu the shooting match. Captain Payne, of the Auckland Artillery, also came by the same train. Tho Auckland Dragoons were expected, but did not come. I. have not yet heard the reason of their non-arrival; perhaps they may come on Monday. I forgot to mention that Colonel Shepherd said that owing to the absence of some of the members the whole troop were nearly losing the capitation, as a certain number must be on parade to entitle the troop to the grant, lie expressed the hope that Captain Rutherford would fine those who wore absent without any good _ reason (there are a few I believe so absent), as by thoir negligence the whole troop might suffer. He _ also said that the appearance iind efficiency of the men were highly creditable when the fact was taken into consideration they only got three days drill twice a year. It is fl u ' te evideut the Colonel is in sympathy with the desire on the part of the men to ha\c six days drill twice a year. The Government might economise with good effect in other directions than in giving the volunteers a capitation which does not nearly cover expeiiMO.s. If they do pot want the troops, the best thing is to say so at once, and stop all expenditure in that direction, but if they are to be kept on, give the men enough at any rate to cover actual expenses, and give them more drill, they may become tolerably proficient in the manual and pursuing practice with three days, but if they are to made fairly efficient they should get six

days at lest. The wonder is they ,got on. so well with the short training they'get.^