THE TE AWAMUTU CAVALRY.

Waikato Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2456, 7 April 1888, Page 2

THE TE AWAMUTU CAVALRY.

The head quarters of the "D" Troop, Ist Regiment New Zealand Cavalry Volunteers (Late Te Awamutu) were inspected by Lieut. Col. Shepherd, on 36th ult., present: 22 out of 26. The Raglan detachment, 18 men. were inspected on the 28th ult. Lieutenant C. F. Storey underwent his practical examination under Col. Shepherd. As he appeared to handle the troop satisfactorily, it is expected that, lie pissed the examination for his commission as Lieutenant. After the examination Col Shepherd complimented the troop on their efficiency, and said that they had proved that they could control their horses in rapid movement In the evening the troop held their annual meeting. Lieutenant Storey was in the chair. After the usual routine business was disposed of, Mr w . S. Rutherford (late captain) entered the room for the purpose of submitting the annual report, as follows : —This being the 17th annual meeting of the troop, I have the honour to submit the report tor the year ending Decembsr, 1887. The year has been an eventful one in many respects. It commenced with a total strength of 63, ending with a total of 4(i. During the year Major Jackson's resignation was accepted. 1 fiud it dillicult to express my feelings in respect to one who was so universally esteemed, not only by those under his command, but by volunteers generally. Major Jackson has been associated with the troop from its beginniug, he having formed it under the authority of the Government in March, 1871. Seventeen other members resignations have been accepted during the year, owing to various causes, soma leaving the district, others from causes best known to themselves. The Easter Encampment at Takapuna was a success, as regards numbers of this troop attending, 58° of all ranks answering to the roll call, and during the. time they were under arms, from Thursday to Tuesday, or rather Wednesday morning, the conduct of the troop was very good, although all had unlimited leave between parades, yet when the roll was called every man answered to his name. It was also very satisfactory to prove how quickly 58 horses could be placed in trains and on boats, and disembarked again, the time occupied on each ocuaaion being but a few minutes, and without a single accident. During the year little shooting was done, compared with former years, only one match being fired with the Waiuku troop on the "23rd May and mounted cavalry on the 24tli, in eotiliectiou with the annu-il sports. The match on foot you all know was lost. The mounted contest was in favour of the troop, which I consider of great importance. Relative to the match on foot it demonstrated thoroughly what an advantage it is to have good ammunition, superior to your opponents. In the mounted contests both troops used the same make of ammunition, witli nearly equal results. Another very eventful circumstance has occurred, i.e., the Defence Minister having (in view of retrenchment) dispensed with the services of Instructor Carley, who has been associated so intimately with this troop for the past nine years. He was most painstaking, patient, and was at all times ready to impart information to anyone belonging to tho corps. lie r.ever spared himself in drilling after the usual hours, to improve tho efficiency of the troop. It is with extreme regret, I find, the Defence Minister has deemed it necessary to dispense with his services. Now I have to inform you that this is the k.st annial meeting ihat I shall 'oe present at, as I have forwarded my resignation to the proper authority, at;d it has been accepted from cOthJanuary ISoS.