VOLUNTEER INTELLIGENCE.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXVII, Issue 4180, 6 January 1871, Page 4

VOLUNTEER INTELLIGENCE.

The members of the Auckland lli/ie Volunteer Battalion mustered in good force last night, at half-past six, to attend the monthly inspection parade. Captain Derrom, the senior officer of the battalion, was in command. The following officers were also present: —Captains Howell, Clark, and Batger; Lieutenants Burns, McCounell, Morrow, and Thompson ; Ensigns Battley, Hassan," Morrow, Harrison, and Gatland. Major Tisdall was the inspecting officer. There were 21 non-commissioned officers present, besides 173 rank and file, making a total attendance of 208 all told. Besides the usual inspection of arms, there was a good deal of battalion and company drill performed in a very creditable manner in the open air, under the moon's pale rays— the having been cut off by the Gas Company on Wednesday. During the evening Captain Derrom announced to the battalion that Lady Bowen had expressed her willingness to preside at any meeting that might bo gob Up for the purpose of raising funds for the band, an announcement which was received with considerable a})plause. We understand that the large increase in the numbers of the various companies of this battalion, which we have noticed from time to time, has produced at last a rather un-looked-for effect. Capitation money is not allowed until after a twelvemonth's service, and providing uniforms for the lirge number of recruits lately joined has swallowed up all the battalion funds. We have been informed they applied to the Government for the 'payment of half-a-year's capitation allowance, which application has been unheeded. 'I his neglect is the more keenly felt by the battalion, because of one company having had a similar application sustained, and it being generally believed that the Volunteers of Hawke's Bay have also got a half-year's capitation money in advance.