VOLUNTEER & DEFENCE NOTES

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVII, Issue 87, 11 April 1906, Page 7

VOLUNTEER & DEFENCE NOTES

(BY RIFLEMAN.*

The most Important item of- "Volunteer Information this week Js uhdonhtedly the - announcement by our Wellington corre-_ spondent. that Colonel: Davie* C.8., is to be transferred to the charge of the Wellington district, his place here being taken by Major Wolfe, in charge of the Nelson district. This change has been necessitated by. the promotion of Colonel Webb, O.C. of the Wellington district, to the position of Under-Secretary of Defence. If the proposed -transfer- is carried out, ' Colonel Davles will be a distinct loss to tbe district, where his energetic work and splendid facility for organisation have put volunteering on a very firm footing Indeed, and. his own personality has tended to create a very high esprit de corps, so essential in a military establishment. Major Wolfe has been in charge of Nelson some years, and he is a popular officer In that rather scattered and, difficult district Volunteers generally should benefit by the promotion of Coldnel Webb to .the routine control of the Department, for he has had a lengthy experience of district organisation, and no doubt knows how annoying the delays and red-tape of the Department can be. The No. 1 Natives wore their- nerwr scarlet stripes at their annual meeting. The resignation of Captain 3. G» Berry, of the No. 2 squadron Walkato M.R., has befn accepted. The Hon. Sir Joseph Ward, K.C.M.G.. has been appointed honorary captain of the Wlnton Rifles. i ■ Recently the transfer of the headquarters of the Raglan M.R. from Raglan to Te Mate was approved. The N.C.O. Club hold its second social to-night in the Hibernian Hall, and a very enjoyable time is promised. j i The appointment of Lieut. D. W. Bodle I as pay and quarter master of the No. 1 | Regiment, A.M.R., Is gazetted. Captain H. R. Potter, N.Z.M.D.A.A.G.. has been appointed to the Auckland Board of Military Examinations from December ISth last. ' " Leave of absence with permission to be absent from the colony from 15th March to 14th May has been granted to Lieut. James, L. Gllmour, of the No. 8 Co. Ohlnemuris. It is the Intention of the No. 9 Company Coastguards to order a complete kit for each man from Home. Members are now being measured for this purpose. The No. 9 Company G.A.T. Intend to give the Eroderlck forage cap a trial. This is a smart-looking cap, and should ba very suitable for garrison duty. in General Orders recently appeared the name of Lieut. Richard James Derrom, of the Victoria Rifles, as being awarded the New Zealand Volunteer Service Medal. Members of the No. 9 Company Indulged in target practice at Penrose last Saturday. This company has now a respectable shooting team, and are open to challenges. Leave of absence with permission to be absent from the colony for about 12 months has been granted to Surgeon-Captain W. H. Parkes, MB., of the No, 1 (Auckland) Bearer Corps. The Garrison Band will head the parade of the Submlners and "G" Artillery on Thursday evening, when the. companies march from the Drill Hall to the ferry tee, on their way to camp. Lieut. J. M. Scott's resignation from his position in the No. S Walkato M.R., which occurred on November Ist last, is gazetted as accepted, and he has been appointed to the Active Unattached List with his retiring rank. The No. 8 Company G.A.V. were the first to drill on the new dummy gun, D.8.F., etc., now fitted up in the Gun Room next to the Drill Hall. The work Is very interesting, and more than one recruit has already been. enrolled through wabjhlng the gunners at drill,''""' " .---Tv- - * On Monday evening (a most suitable night for drill, as It leaves the rest ot the j week free) No. a Company are at. XrorH, when, I understand, applications for enrolment from eligible young men will be considered by the 0.C., as there is now room for a few men of tbe right stamp. The No. 0 G.A.V. were measured on Monday night for the. new undress uniform Which 1b being purchased. The company has decided to go In for white helmets instead of busbies, and intend to place the order with a Home firm of military outfitters. Volunteers will sympathise with Lieut. Kretchmar, of the No. 8 Natives, In the loss of his father, who died last week. He had been HI for the last twelve months, and latterly Lieut, Kretchmar was compelled to absent himself from duty In order to attend to the wants of bis parent He has my entire sympathy. Some of the Infantry companies are dispensing with the expensive, and questionably useful services of the "professional" cook this Easter. The College Rifles and some others are going to detail individual members of the corps to cook on each day—which Is more on service lines, and I don't doubt more than equally satisfactory with the alleged "professional" cook system. i Lieut Lee, who formerly belonged to the No. 9 G.A.V.. but about 18 months : ago removed to Wellington, has resigned j his commission in the company, and I hear that a very eligible candidate for the vacancy Is to be put before the com- j pany shortly. This will complete the ! company's full quota of fonr subalterns, and make it very strong all round. The Devonport Coastguards held thensecond entertainment In aid of the company , funds on Friday evening last. There Was a good number present, and all thoroughly enjoyed the various items. Master N. Mud- , ford was In good form, and was twice recalled. Bongs were given by Messrs Aylett,' Camming, E. O. Smith, Harding, and Wll-, Ltams, and Master C. Over gave some clever selections on the dulclphone. I Gunner Dillon, of No. 8 Company, j | G.A.V., a promising young shot, and an ! esteemed member of the company, won tbe 'company's champion belt for the year 1905- j IS, his win being a popular on • At a par- ! ade -of the company on Moniay evening, Lieut Ewan presented the belt and the ] . gold medal accompanying it, and heartily I | congratulated Gunner Dillon on his I achievement. . I A good muster is expected by Captain ' Forbes, No. 8 Company; G.A.V., for Easter camp, as the work this year will be more interesting, both heavy gun and Q.F. practice will be carried out. It behoves all members who take an Interest In their company to attend, as Major-Gen. Bablngton, Commandant N.Z. Forces, will visit the camp, and will naturally look for a good muster. No. 8, take heed. "Dave" Gallaher, the famous skipper of the Maorlland team which conquered England In football recently, was in the notable Sixth Contingent In the South African War; and Colonel Plnmer, to whose force the contingent Was attached, asked the redoubtable "Dave" down to his country house whtle the footballer was- In England. Unfortunately Mr Gallaher was unable to accept the invitation. Major-General Babington, Commandant of the New Zealand Forces, arrives here on Friday morning, and will on that day Inspect the forts on the North Shore. On Saturday he Inspects the Battery and the Mounted Infantry at Te Papa. On Sunday he visits Motuihl to inspect the Infantry. On Sunday morning also the Senior Anglican Chaplain. Bishop Neligan, holds a church parade at the island. The Akarana Rifle Clnb members fired 'the sixth match of the championship on Saturday afternoon In very unfavourable weather. The leading scores were:—Mr J. F. Atkinson, 85; Mr J. J. Buchanan, 91; Mr J. Meyer, 89; Mr M. Atkinson, 89. "B" class members also competed for Mr J. Adams' trophy, and the highest scores warn:—Mr C, A. Lot, 82; Mr S. Barn*. 74; .Jte B, .waaßjSßir, 7flu

. Hon. Chaplain "the 'Cot. A.' T. Thompson has been attached- to the No. 2 Battalion (Hauraki) Infantry. This Is In accordance With regulations. The old system was for eachTcompany to appoint Its own chaplain; how "they are all appointed to a General Chaplaincy list and detailed for duty Where desired. Any company can-get a chaplain detailed xor duty with It, but he does not appear on- its strength. Lieut Doull, Who lately resigned from the "A" Battery, was the recipient on Thursday last of a-handsome set of carvers, engraved with the company's badge, presented by the members of - that, corps I on the occasion of his approaching marriage. Captain Bosworth made the presentation on behalf of the company, and i in the..course of a short speech referred to the excellent work done by Mr Donll during his eleven yeans' connection with, the Battery. Last year Major Patterson, of the Victorian forces, wrote to South -Africa, asking if the graves of soldiers were being | attended to in any way. A reply has been received from the military secretary at I Cape Town, stating that in 1902 Cape Col- | ony passed an Act giving it legal right to take over ground In which soldiers were burled, The colonial Government had also j undertaken the care of soldiers' graves. | When the ground was taken over it was : fenced In, and graves were periodically ivislted. These remarks only apply to Cape Colony, but the military secretary believes I that- Natal, the Transvaal, and the Orange River Colony have dealt with the subject on similar lines. In a recent General Order the dismissal of two members of the Devonport Submarines for refusing to obey ah order of their superior officer is recorded. It refers to an unfortunate incident, not of a very serious nature in Itself, concerning which, however, the least said the better t it only emphasises the need for unwavering discipline in all companies. It Is better to lose a couple of men who can't behave themselves than to let them stay In a company to corrupt their good manners. The commanding officer who acts up to the spirit of his regulations will not lose anything In the respect of his men. The annual meeting ot the No. 1 Field Hospital and Bearer Corps was held at Surgeon-Major Knight's residence on Monday evening. It was decided, to procure a kharki undress uniform. The following officers were ' elected:—Sergeant Derrick, chief of the stores department, and Mr A. C. Pllkington resigned the secretaryship on account of pressure of business, Mr C. H. A. Metcalfe being appointed In his place. An executive committee was also elected. At the close of the meeting the members were, hospitably entertained, by the surgeon-major. On Thursday evening last the "A" Battery held an election for the position of lieutenant, in lieu of Lieutenant Doull, who recently resigned. The muster numbered well over 50. The only nomination, forthcoming was that of Sergeant Burgess, who was elected unanimously. Lieutenant Burgess has proved himself a real "grafter" in the Battery, and his promotion Is very well deserved. He joined the company a little over two years ago, and since then he has rapidly risen from one position to another In the company. He was undoubtedly one of the most popular and most enthusiastic non-coms, of the garrison, and the gunners and non-coms, of the Battery are extremely sorry that he will not be amongst them again, although, of course, they are pleased that he has got his promotion. I paid a visit to the gunroom at the Drill Hall yesterday, and was much interested to see what was being done there to fit up the place for the use of the o.A.V. There Is already one big "dummy" 6-lnch gun In position—dummy In respect of the body, bnt quite efficient as regards the breachblock, etc—and another is being got ready. The whole of one end of the shed is being fitted up as a fort, and the orders are transmitted by automatic telephones. The guns are trained on a huge scene representIng the harbour in front ot Takapuna, and a ship Is moved across the waters by means of wires—a most Ingenious contrivance. A small ft-pounder Nordenfeldt is also used for laying on small objects, and U correctly laid the pulling of the trigger rings a bell. Altogether the provisions being made will be a godsend to the G.A. folk, who have hitherto had to -make the weary journey to the Shore In all sorts ot weather. It should increase the recruiting of the companies splendidly, and lay before the volunteer tor ,th» ttrat Ume the advantages ot the G.A. service. The "A" Squadron, Auckland Mounted Rifles, held their annual company shooting meeting- last Saturday. A match for the championship of the company was fired, resulting in a win for Trooper L. Nlcholls, who will hold for twelve months the One silver cup presented to the company by Mr J. H. Dalton, and also a gold medal presented by the company. The second place -was filled by Sergt. Atkinson, who will also receive a gold medal; Sergt. Bodle, who will receive a silver medal, being third. The handicap match was also won by Trooper Nlcholls, who will receive the rug presented by the N.Z. Clothing Co., tho other prize winners, being: Trooper Burrow, trophy value 10/; Trooper Neville, value 5/; and Sergt Bodjfe and Trooper McElroy, 2/6 each. The Recruits' Match resulted in another win for Trooper Nlcholls, the price being a marble clock, presented by Bergt. Atkinson, Trooper Burrow, trophy value 10/; Trooper Neville, 5/; and Trooper McElroy and Trooper G. Reardon, 2/0 each. Arrangements are completed for the field-firing competition during the Infantry camp at Motulhi. Colonel Daviea, C.8... has got a considerable sum of money, provided by certain prominent citizens for the purpose, which is to be divided amongst the companies making the best scores. The different companies will be marched out and advanced as to an attack, in extended order, and Instructed to fire at a supposed enemy extended In a firing line ahead. This firing line Is represented by rows of kharbi head-and-shoulder targets two feet high, and massed as reserves. The companies fire ball cartridge at them, and the company which records the most hits. Irrespective of numbers, gets the first prize. Every care, therefore, has to be taken by each man not to waste his ammunition. Motulhi has been chosen for this work | chiefly because It is not a place open to 1 the public—who, indeed, are forbidden to land on the quarantine territory. Points I are to be awarded for drill nnd discipline I generally, ami will connt for position In respect of efficiency, but tbe prizes will I be awarded tor shooting alone. The arrangements for the Easter enI campment are complete, and the volun- ! teers, with fine weather; should hay- a very good time. The Garrison Artillery I camp outside the forts at the Shore, the Battery arid the Ist Auckland Monnteds co to Te' Papapa, and the Noe. 1 and 2 j Battalions: of Infantry will go to Motuihl. | The Auckland companies of the Infantry assemble at 7.30 a.m. on Friday at the wharf; and go thence to Motuihl. At I the Island the companies will camp as ! usual, and the conditions will be approximately service, but of course rather better | —there Is no' limit to the amount they are i permitted to consume, but they also have the privilege of paying for It! The commissariat department will he superintended 11 by Captain Potter, D.A.A.G.. who will deal out the "kai" to the different quartermasters, who distribute to the companies. All the goods have been supplied 1 by tender, and therefore should be procurable at considerably less than retail rates. The convenience of the men who have to ! come back to' work on Saturday Is met by the putting on of a special boat, leaving the Island at 5.80 a.m., and returning either In the afternoon or evening, or both, according as It may be arranged. The latest German, musketry instructions deservedly lay increased stress upon the Importance for accurate shooting of crooking the hidex-finger well round the trigger, and releasing £ the spring by a squeezing motion. This latter, the Importance of which is patent to all Instructors. Is most difficult to teach the recruit, while it has hitherto been almost impossible to ensure Its observance. This difficulty has now been In Germany In preat measure got over by an auxiliary trigger, invented by a Major yon Tschammer. This little instrument'ls easily fixed to the ,rifle, and when the trigger Is then pressed an Indicator shows whether the pressure Is properly applied and steadily maintained until the spring is released. An Instructor has not hitherto had much difficulty In seeing when the recruit has snatched at his trigger, bnt it has always been most difficult to make sure that the steady pressure, so necessary to obtain. good results, Is understood andpractised by the young soldier. For more experienced rifle shots the Invention should also prove useful, as ■howlng ttiem errors la aiming and ptMslnr «»» trJWCWy tt

which they may hitherto have been unconscious. The price of the Instrument Is .three--marks.'- •'-• -V-.';/; The No. 1 Co, N.Z. Native Rifles held their- annual - meeting last Monday evening at the lecture-room, Drill Hall. . The meet- ! ing was very largely-attended by the members of the company. Captain. A.. Courts < presided; there were also present Lleuts. Mcintosh and- Atkinson, and Captain H. ; Potter,:, an old oflicer-of the company. The balance-sheet showed the company to be In a most satisfactory.position. The following committee were elected:—Finance Committee: Officers. — .Sergts. Campbell and * : Smith, Pte. Whitcombe. Shooting Committee: Officers—Sergts. K. Smith, C. Smith, Corps. A. Smith and Lucas, Pte. Cummins. i Auditor, L-Corp. Marriott (re-elected); secretary, L.-Corp. Stephens (re-elected). The meeting closed at 9 p.m. with a vote of thanks to the chair. After: the' meeting the company retired to the Strand Cafe, where a,most enjoyable evening was spent. The following contributed items:—Piano selection, L.-Cofp. Marriott; song, Pte. Hawki jm; song, Corp. A. Lucas; piano selection,. Sergt. C Smith; song (comic), Mr Hortoh; | song, Mr W. Mlncham; song, Sergt. Bickerj ton (No. I) Garrison); song, Gunner MeAnI Inie (No. 9 Garrison); recitation, Mr Hori ton. L.-Corp. Stephens played the' accom- | panimcnts. : '> s ',: - I Ex-Cap tain C. E. Archibald, late of the j Petone Navals, writes to. mc as follows:— "I regret that in your notes this week you have' thrown discredit on'-the success of the Wellington and Petone Navals In the annual garrison artillery competition. As you are l aware, this is the first occasion on which a champion shield has been awarded, but It Is not the .first time the competitions have been held. In previous years, when shooting was the sole test, publication of the names of the companies in. the order of merit, and the Issue of a badge to be worn by members of all first class companies, were all the recognition. If you will refer j to the records you will see, if my memory serves mc, that the Petone Navals were classed as first class artillery oh.four sue-1 cessive occasions, their positions on the list' being fifth, first, first, second, second, respectively. On one of these results the Petone Navals established a world's record for the British Army, and this record was beaten the following year by the Welling--ton Navals. This is, I think, a proof that both companies can do good shooting. This year, knowledge as tested by examination, discipline, attendance, and shooting were all taken into consideration. Although I understand the shooting of the Petone Navals this year was only second class, still, taking all details Into consideration, they proved their general efficiency by pulling off the championship in the aggregate of points. I admit that good shooting Is a sine qua non, and if the Petone Navals were everything but good gunners I would not attach credit to their present success, but I their previous record shows that they can I snoot, and shoot well. If this year they failed to maintain their high standard in j shooting, but at the same' time were able I to come cut on top through efficiency In i ether branches. I think, always remembering their previous good shooting, that It Is I a further proof of their smartness that they ! were able to secure the shield notwithstanding a weakness in their hitherto strong point. The Dunedln Navals are to be congratulated on their good shooting. They have always been good gunners and a most efficient all-round corps.;' I publish this as an earnest that no reflection on any corps was intended Wy mc In my note. I merely reDrodnced a Southern oplnlonywhich Mr Archibald has attributed to mc.