THE VOLUNTEERS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCIX, Issue 11558, 20 April 1898, Page 6

THE VOLUNTEERS.

Yesterday, Lieutenant-Colonel Gordon left for Wellington in order to attend a conference of officers commanding districts in connection -with the defence of the colony. During his absence. Colonel Bailey will be in charge of the local volunteer force. Yesterday, Lieutenant Neave, Mounted Eifles, and Lieutenant Holderness, Imperial Eifles, sat at the Garrison Library for the first part of their examination for Imperial commissions.

A letter has been received from Lieu-tenant-Colonel Moore, of the South Canterbury Battalion, who met with an accident on the night of the departure of the battalion from Christchurch after the Easter encampment, stating that he is very much better, and that he is very satisfied with the treatment he received at the Terminus Hotel, whither he was carried after his accident. It appears that some statements were made to the effect that he did not receive due attention there, and he and the officers of his battalion are anxious to contradict-the rumour in question. A communication has been received from the Defence Department, stating that the Minister of Defence has approved of the formation, in each of the four chief centres-of the colony, of a cyclist corps, to consist of two officers and twenty-five men, and that regulations as to capitation and other matters will be formulated shortly. At a meeting of the officers of the North Canterbury Battalion last night it was agreed to adopt, subject to the approval of the Minister of Defence, a scarlet tunic with blue facings, yellow braid and brass buttons, for full dress, and a blue patrol jacket with the battalion badge on the collar for officers’ undress. It is probable that steps will shortly be taken to establish a bugle band in connection with the North Canterbury Battalion.