VOLUNTEER NOTES.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXI, Issue 78, 2 April 1900, Page 3

VOLUNTEER NOTES.

Some time ago representations were made to the Minister for Defence (Hon. K. J. Heddon) through the Hon. AYm. Jennings with regard to incomplete equipment of the Auckland Engineers. Mr Jennings has received in reply the following telegram from the Minister:—"The Auckland Engineer Corps will be placed on the same footing, a.s regards up-to-date equipment, as the Canterbury and Dunedm Engineers. 1 regret delay' in replying to correspondence'and representations made, and can only say that since being Minister for Defence the matter has not been brought under my notice. I am considering, knowing the. divisions into wliicli the Engineers are made, the question of increasing the numbers from S3 to SO, but before finally deciding I desire to have the opinion and advice of the Commander of the Forces on the subject. 1 recognise the time and attention given by the Engineers and other corps, and it is the wish of the Government that they should be fully equipped and placed in the position to render valuable .services to our colony."

Captain J. Grant's services as Adjutant i'or the Auckland volunteer district terminated oa Saturday last. Hi: still, however, retains nis captaincy on flic unattached active list of: the volunteer force. The volunteer movement in this district owes much to Captain Grant, who has been connected with the force for over thirty-one years. lie helped to organise the first volunteer company at the Thames m 3808, ajul for nearly twenty years was the only paid instructor there, in 187H he organised the .Engineer Volunteer .Militia, a force of :iOO men for the defence and building of the Waikato railway, at a time when Hie district was threatened by Te Kooti. At his suggestion the first Native Rifle Company was started here a few years ago, a step which led to the formation of other companies, and Ihe Auckland Infantry Battalion. Jf i.s familiar figure will be greatly missed on parade by our volunteers.

The Newton Rifles and No. 2 Native Rilies fired a match at Mount Kden range on Saturday. Both companies had several of their best shots absent, so that (he shooling recorded is hardly a. fair tesi of the strength of either company. After the match the teams wore eiilerlained to afternoon tea by Lieut. N. 1. Markliain, of the Newton 'Rifles, at his residence. The scores are- appended: — Ranges. 1200 yards, 'Ml yards, and 500 yards, Newton Rifles.- I'ri vat c V.'ickman, 50; Colour-Sergeant Rowles, 47; Sergeant livrne, 44; Private Callaghan, 40; Private Qnelch, '.!9; Private Salisbury, :SS; Q.M.S. Dines, 3S; Sergeant Fra'ser, :>">; Sergeant \Voodford, :>:>; I'rivate Speakman, 28; total, 392. No. 2 Natives.—Private Stead, 48; Private Dennett, -IT; Corporal lluddleson, 40; Corporal Berry, 44; Private Vincent, 42; Private Backhouse, 37; Private (ioldwater, 35; I'rivate Watson, 35; Sergeant Osmond, 33; Private Brauiid, li">; total, 383.