VOLUNTEER FORCE OF NEW ZEALAND.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume I, Issue 32, 31 July 1880, Page 3

VOLUNTEER FORCE OF NEW ZEALAND.

Tbe following extract, from Colonel Leckie to the Under-Secretary for Defence, will be of interest to our readers :—: —

Wellington, 11th May, 1880,

" Sir, — In compliance with your letter dated 13th February, ISSO, No. 51, relative *to fclie inspection o$ ike Volunteer PorCi oi the North Island, I have the honor to acquaint you, for the information of the Hon. the Defence Minister, that I left Wellington on the 19th February, 1830, and proceeded to Auckland, commencing- niy inspection of that district, finishing 1 with the Wellington district on the 10th of May. Annexed, is my roport of the undermentioned corps, with my remarks thereon. In conclusion, I would add that the volunteers were zealous and willing to learn, and I was very much pleased with their physique and soldierlike appearance.

" Wairoa Light Horse. — I inspected this troop on 17th April. The men well tm-ned out; wen and Horses good; troop fairly exercised by Officer Commanding troop. " Patea Light Horse. — I inspected this troop on 19th April. Attendance not good ; arms and accoutrements clean and in good order ; drill indifferent, did not go out of a walk. '

" Hawera Light Horse. — I inspected this troop on 21st April. Men and horses good ; arms and accoutrements clean. The troop were fairly exercised by Officer Cammanding troop. There is no drill instructor in this district ; one should be appointed.

"Carlyle Rifles Nos. 1 and 2, Carlyle Cadets. — I inspected these companies on 19th April. Arms and accoutrements clean and in good order. The companies were fairly drilled by their own officers at manual and firing exercises. " Knkaramea Rifles. — I inspected this company on 20th April. Arms and accoutrements clean ; badly drilled.

"Norman by Rifles. — 1 inspected this company on 22nd April. Arms and accoutrements clean and in good order. Company exercised by its own officers in manual and firing exercises. "Hawera Rifles Nos. 1 and 2. — Companies did -not parade ; supposed to be broken up. The Infantry drill instructor in the Patea district is inefficient ; I wouid suggest that an efficient instructor should be appointed."