H.—loa,

6

to have been the normal state of things for some time past, I certainly shouldj have recommended their disbandment, were it not that upon enquiry I found they had been much neglected, and that under their new Commanding Oflicer, Captain Kenny, they were likely to recover themselves. The Drill Instructor had only attended once in twelve months, and on my speaking to him, he told me the pay he received did not allow of his attending at Picton. He had no uniform, and for this also gave me the same reason. I heard afterwards that he is much disliked by officers and men, and that they will have nothing to do ■with him, as he is quite incompetent as an instructor. I saw enough to convince me that whatever amount of pay he receives, the money, as far as his services as Drill Instructor are concerned is thrown away. While this state of things continues, little improvement can be looked for. The Blenheim Company goes through a certain amount of simple drill fairly enough, but to push them on, a more competent instructor is required. The Renwicktown and Spring Creek Corps did not assemble, and the sergeant informed me it would take four or five horsemen riding about for a week to collect a sufficient number together. Cadets at Blenheim. —No parade state was given in. I understood their enrolled strength to be above 100, but the attendance was very poor. They were drilled by the sergeant and by their officers, but their performances were more than indifferent. Although this corps has been in existence for several years and drawing capitation, the cadets had no uniform. Nelson. The H Battery, City, Stoke, and Waimea Rifles, and Naval Brigade assembled on the evening of the 16th June in the drill-shed, and were inspected in column. Arms and accoutrements clean and in good order. After inspection they left the drill-shed and were drawn up outside as battalion in line. Captain Webb, the Adjutant, put them through the manual exercise, which was very fairly done. I then desired the Commanding Officer to put them through battalion movements, but these were not a success, partly owing to the moon having become clouded, as men cannot work well in the dark. This Officer's words of command also, were not sufficiently audible, nor, in many instances were the correct commands given, hence confusion and mistakes occurred. The attendance of the Stoke and Waimea Rifles and the Navals was very good. The Battery and City Rifles not showing up so well. At noon on the 17th the College Cadets were inspected, they had no uniform, but I was informed that these were being made. The Cadets drilled well, but the Lieutenant who partly drilled them, was far too rapid in his commands, as before one movement could be completed, another was directed. The Artillery and City Cadets were inspected at night in the drill-shed. The drill of both was decidedly bad, but the Artillery Cadets went through their gun drill in a very smart and satisfactory manner.

Enclosure 2 in No. 1. Colonel Leckib to the Under Secretary for Defence. Sik,— Wellington, 11th May, 1880. In compliance with your letter dated 13th February, 1880, No. 51, relative to the inspection of the Volunteer Force of the North Island, I have the honor to acquaint you, for the information of the Hon. the Defence Minister, that I left Wellington on the 19th February, 1880, and proceeded to Auckland, commencing my inspection of that district, finishing with the Wellington district on the 10th of May. Annexed, in detail, is my Report of corps, with my remarks thereon. In conclusion, I would add that the Volunteers were zealous and willing to learn, and I was very much pleased with their physique and soldierlike appearance. I have, <fec., The Under Secretary for Defence, William Leckie, Wellington. Colonel.

INSPECTION OP VOLUNTEERS IN NOBTH ISLAND. A 'Battery of Artillery, Engineers, Naval Brigade, Victoria Rifles, Holson Rifles, No. 3 City Rifles, Scottish Rifles, Engineer Cadets. —I inspected these companies at 8 o'clock p.m. on 23rd February, 1880 ; night wet, attendance bad. The men well turned out; arms and accoutrements clean and in good order; the companies were drilled separately by their own officers, and acquitted themselves fairly. The Artillery gun drill was good. Naval Brigade sword exercise good. More attention should be paid to position drill in firing exercises. Otahuhu Company, Artillery Cadets. —I inspected these companies on 27th February. Otahuhu company well turned out; arms and accoutrements clean and in good order; drilled pretty well. Artillery Cadets, attendance good. Unclothed and unarmed ; they have an excellent Instructor. Wangarei Rifles, Coromandel Rifles. —-I was unable to inspect these companies, as the arrangements that had been made for me at the Waikato interfered with the inspection. Wairoa Rifles. —I inspected the Wairoa Rifles on 28th February. Arms and accoutrements clean and in good order ; drilled pretty well at manual and firing exercises.