VOLUNTEER INTELLIGENCE.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume II, Issue 165, 28 October 1881, Page 2

VOLUNTEER INTELLIGENCE.

"When Major Stapp visited Manaia and inspected the two corps of men there, he expressed himself well pleased with each of them. The Rifles, under Captain O'Brien, turned out in force, 62 being on parade, besides seven officers. The captain explained that a large number of them would be prepai-ed to volunteer for service elsewhere, provided that they were satisfied that their homes would be efficiently protected during their absence. Major Stapp said this was just what was wanted. After inspecting the Rifles, Major Stapp proceeded to inspect the Mounted Rifles, under Captain Martyn. Thirty-seven out of forty-seven paraded, and the Major, who intended to proceed to Opunake that evening, urged them to learn their drill as soon as possible, because there was no knowing how soon they might be wanted. The above was accidentally delayed in transit since Friday last. Since then we hear that both the foot and Mounted Rifles have been drilling assiduously. The infantry corps have been paraded nearly every night. In the bush clearing on the Manaia road and at Otakeho, detachments have been separately drilled once or twice a week, and have made great progress, more especially in skirmishing and target practice. The Mounted Rifles had two hours mounted drill on Wednesday, and spent the whole of the afternoon at the butts. The average firing waß better than it had been, some of those least used to the rifle showing considerable skill as marksmen.

The Hawera Rifles parade on Monday evening. After drill, a surgeon is to be appointed. A meeting of the Hawera Light Horse is called for to-morrow, when business of importance is to be brought forward for transaction.