VOLUNTEER NEWS

Auckland Star, Volume XIX, Issue 241, 12 October 1888, Page 3

VOLUNTEER NEWS

What with rifle competitions, daylight' parades, and special drill musters, volun" teering is looking very brisk in Auckland just at present. A detachment of the City Guards were engaged at the Drill-shed last evening practicing the silent drill, in preparation for the volunteer concert next week.

The gun detachment of the "A" Battery, who are to take part in the volunteer entertainment, were busy practising their gun drill at tha Drill-shed last evening. LieutCol. Payne was in command, while Capt. Geddes and Lieut. Ansel! were also present. The latter officer, at the close of the drill, was presented with his long-service modal by Lieut-Col. Payne. The medal was forwarded by the Government, Lieut. Ansell having served as a private, and as a non-commissioner officer in the "A" Battery for 18 years. Three hearty cheers were-given for the recipient by all present, and Captain Geddes paid him a high compliment. A number of men in the Battery were also presented with certificates of efficiency. Captain Geddes notified the Battery that the firing of the Thome prize and the battery champion belt would commence tomorrow. A second gun detachment was put through their gun drill by the Staff Sergeant-Major, who is also to give the battery gun drill on Monday evening and sword exercise on Wednesday evening.

Four companies of bhe Auckland division of Naval Artillery are notified to attend a daylight parade to-morrow at 3.30 p.m. We believe the intention is to proceed to the Metropolitan Ground to practise guard-

mounting, and, if practicable, the " casuals" will do their judging distance ab the same time No doubt this guardmounting will be in view of the proposed outpost duty and sham fight which we hope wi!l be carried to a successful issue by the whole of the volunteer forces on the 9th November next, at Mangere.

The City Guards are reminded by an advertisement to parade to-morrow for daylight inspection and judging distance practice. The latter drill was to have been gone through last Saturday, but owing to the very bad state of the weather it had to bo dispensed with. Should tho weather prove line no doubt every member will attend. There is also a practice to-night for the display drill at tho military concert.