Volunteer Notes.

Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, Issue 383, 10 September 1903, Page 5

Volunteer Notes.

[By " Lyddite."] When General Babington was here some time ago, representation was made to, him for a subsidy in connection with the Volunteer Orderly Room. The General was in favour of the proposal, and promised to attend to the matter. Correspondence has passed between the Defence Department' and the Company, and lately a communication was received that a sum of .£4O would be granted to the volunteer company, if the lease of the ground was transferred to the Crown. This was strongly objected to by members of the company, who were of the opinion that the sum named should be given without any restrictions. It was pointed out that the public and volunteers had subscribed about £l6O towards this object, and that it was not reasonable to transfer that amount for the sake of £4O. It was considered better to try and borrow the money locally, than to part with the property, or if the parties could wait until March next, the amount could then be paid out of capitation. After parade last Thurday, the company met at the Bendigo Hotel for the purpose of presenting Private Weir, who is leaving the district to take over the management of the Crewe Company's dredges, with a writing desk, as a slight memento of the esteem in which he is held. Captain Laidlaw, in making the presentation, referred to the recipient's good qualities, and to the great interest he had taken in the corps since its inception. The other officers and non-coms also had a word or two to say and Priv Weir's health was then drunk in bumpers and with much gusto. Priv Weir in responding, stating that he was not leaving the corps, but was applying for leaVe of absence, and when he had finished his duties at the Nevis, he would rejoin his comrades. He thanked them heartily for their useful present, and for the kind words that accompanied it. Music and toasts helped to pass an agreeable two hours. Class-firing is nowthe only order in regard to shooting. Members are requested to get through their course as quickly as possible. A number of boys attended the orderly room last Wednesday evening for the purpose of forming a cadet corps. There was not sufficient to form a Defence Cadet Corps, but those that attended were anxious to start at once, believing that others would come in when once the movement was set going. Captain Laidlaw and one of the sergeants put the cadets through some squad drill and the boys shaped extremely well for the first time. It is intended to hold a weekly. drill for them on Wednesday evenings, when a non-com will put them through their facings. Any lad the required age may come along, and put his name down, and when a sufficient number has been secured, an application to the Defence Department for acceptance will be sent.