VOLUNTEER INTELLIGENCE.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume II, Issue 161, 19 October 1881, Page 2

VOLUNTEER INTELLIGENCE.

On Saturday lasr, fully fifty men of the Waimate Hi lies turned out for drill, under Captain O'Brien. They have made wonderful progres-s under the command of their captain, and are already a smart and efficient company. On Monday morning they turned out early for target practice. Short ranges have been prescribed by Major Stapp. and the result showed that at those ranges there are a number of really good shots among the men. Sergeant Chisholin appears to be well fitted for the post assigned him. On Saturday evening, serge uniforms were served out to the men, aud the company will henceforth present a more military appearance than heretofore.

On Saturday last, the second mounted parade of the Waimate Mounted Rifles was held. More than thirty meu attended, aud were put through about two hour's drill by Sergeant Mclunernon, in a paddock near Mr. Martyn's house. After parade, the captain informed the men that Messrs. Laugley, Budge, aud Broadbent had been appointed sergeants to the troop. He urged the men to procure more severe bits, so as to ensure their horses moving more smartly and correctly when the word of command was given. On Weduesday (this day), the men were required to attend for carbine drill and target practice at 1 p.m., when the question of deciding the best time for a week's consecutive drill would be considered and decided. The men would also be measured for their uniforms at the same time. Between infantry and cavalry, over eighty armed men were in the field at Manaia that day.

According to order the Hawera Rifles paraded on the Cricket Ground yesterday evening. After inspection, they were skirmished, and though there is plenty of room for improvement, tbe men did fairly well, and appeared anxious to learn. On Friday, at 5.30 the corps parades for inspection by Major Noake. There is to be target practice to-morrow at 5 a.m., Senior Sergeant Meredith's squad, and at 8 a.m. Sergeant Pinches' squad. At last night's parade, Captain Bayly informed the men that Major Noake had been pleased to hear of regular attendance at drill, and having heard complaints with respect to the state of the targets, he had promised that new ones should be erected in the course of a few days.

The Hawera Light Horse continue their drill. Yesterday thej r were inspected by Major Noake, who also drilled them for four hours. In the evening there was carbine drill in the hall. To-day thers is to be another four hours' drill. Those members of the corps who attend are becoming fairly proficient, but the attendance is by no means what it should be. Yesterday afternoon only some 25 out of (50 turned up. There is talk of reorganisation unless some improvement is shortly exhibited.