VOLUNTEERS.

Lake County Press, Volume IX, Issue 462, 18 March 1880, Page 3

VOLUNTEERS.

•———. The annual Government inspection t this Company took place on Saturay evening last, and was conducted by ajor-General Davidson (Inspector of Island Volunteers)* he being ■companied by Capt. S. IN. Brown. Commanding Lakes District). Owing > the unpropitious weather—it having 3ea raining in torrents since early in 10 day—there was a smaller muster fan usual; but the members present id their best to make up. for the absence of their comrades, any of whom were weather-bound at lacetowm The General* after aredly inspecting arms, and aceoutreents, desired the Company to be put nough. the manual, company, and lyonet exercises, which fairly icoraplished under- the respective itnmands of Sergt-Major Scully, ®pt. Jenkins, and Lieut,. Healey, ne General seemed pleased with the annex- in which the movements were toe through; but did not address the embers as. Inspecting Officers usually i when on their annual tour. A meeting was held after parade j ipt. Jenkins in the chair), at which was notified that the Cromwell ComT 6re ’ n * >avor °f amalgamating itn the Arrow Company (and probably i e Queenstown Band) for the purpose ' “tending the Christchurch Review

at E&ster. Ihe Captain stated that the Lakes District would be excellently represented,, both in numbers and efficiency, and he hoped the meeting would agree to the proposed combination. The idea was unanimously agreed to. Some 2& members' names were placed on the list, as likely to attend from Arrow. The Captain was asked to take the matter of accommodation at Chriatchurch in hand; and it was-re-solved that the Company should incur no liability on account of members travelling or other expenses.

The Cadet Corps was inspected by the Major-General prior to the inspection of the adult Corps, and, under the command of Capt. Gruber, went through various movements in a highly creditable manner. We understand that the Inspecting Officer spoke in commendatory terms of the smart style in which the boys acquitted themselves. Of course anj such commendation speaks well for the officers in charge of the Company. We are ioformed that the Arrow Cadets are receiving anything but fair treatment as regards the competition for the Government prize-money ; and, if the facts as they have been stated to us are correct, we can endorse the assertion. The Arrow Cadets have never yet had any carbines of their own, but each year for District Prize and Class-firing have been dependent upon the Queenstown Corps for the loan of arms. On Tuesday the Queenstown Cadets finished their firing for the money, having had carbines to practice with, throughout the season, and yesterday a few stand of arms were sent over for the Arrow boys. As they had to commence firing this morning not the slightest opportunity was afforded for practice, and they go to the butts at a great dieadvantage. Capt. Gruber pointed out the hardship to Capt Brown by telegram and requested him. to postpone the firing i-i 'the Arrow until Monday and Tuesday next, but Capt. Brown declined to interfere. If the Arrow Cadets succeed in taking any of the money under such circumstances it will speak well for their shooting powers. It is certainly unfair that one Company should be able to handicap another in such a manner when, Government money is being competed for.