THE VOLUNTEERS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume C, Issue 11751, 1 December 1898, Page 6

THE VOLUNTEERS.

GARRISON LIBRARY. A well-attended meeting of volunteer officers was held at the Garrison Library last night. Colonel Gordon being in the chair. The Chairman said the meeting had been called to consider the question of holding a combined company camp, at which six companies, including the Sydenham and Linwood Rifles, would he present, making altogether a force of some 300 men under canvas. After conversation with the officers, it appeared to him i hat January would be the most suitable month, but Colonel Francis would bo away at that time. After some discussion, it was resolved to go into camp on a Saturday evening not laterthanFeb.il. The choice of a suitable site for the Encampment xvas next considered. Captain Horsley (Linwood Rifles) reported on' a site of 20 acres at Linwood, owned by the Chureh Property Trustees, and rented by Mr Kincaid. Captain Smith (Sydenham Rifles) suggested that a suitable place could bo found in Colombo Street south. Lieutenant Smith (College Rifles) said that there »vas an excellent place for the camp at Bryndwr, well sheltered, and with good facilities for bathing, if the owner’s permission could only bo obtained. Captain Creswell brought the Eeathcote Racecourse under the notice of the meeting. After further discussion Major Day, Captain Hobday and Lieutenant Smith were appointed a committee to report on the grounds suggested, or on other suitable localities, at a meeting to be held at the Garrison Library on Dec. 7.

The team which will represent the Mounted Rifles against the City Rifles in the shield match on Saturday will be chosen from the following: Troopers Riddle, Tasker, Manson, Scrimshaw, Barrett, Veitch, Pepper, Anderson, Corporal Wheeler, Sergeants Herrick and Macartney, Sergeant-Major Berland and Lieutenant Neave. *

A meeting of members of the missioned officers’ club,will be held at the orderly-room at eight o’clock on Friday evening, when Captain Snow wjll read a paper entitled “Two Months Training at Aldershot.”

The Garrison Band played their new instruments in public for the first time last night, when their efforts met with general approval. During the ride of the Cycle Corps last night two of the machines came to' grief, one breaking down in a bad rut, while the other lost a pedal. A parade of the first Canterbury Battalion, in which the Mounted Rifles and Cycle Corps joined, was held at 7.30 yesterday evening. Major Day was in command and was assisted by Captain and Adjutant Hobday, and the officer commanding the district was present. The Cycle Corps was sent to New Brighton. It was divided into two detachments, one of which took the Tramway Road and the other the Mile Road, the two (divisions meeting at the New Brighton Tramway Bridge within twenty-two minutes from the time they left the drillshed. The main body, headed by the Garrison Band, with the Mounted Rifles as an advance guard, marched round Park Terrace, down Victoria, High and Manchester Streets to the South Belt, and from thence home via Durham Street. The paradestate was as follows: —Mounted Rifles (Captain Snow), 30; City Guards (Captain Creswell), 53; Christ’s College Rifles (Lieutenant Smith), 32; City Rifles (Lieutenant Louisson) 35; Imperial Rifles (Captain Charlewpod), 54; Cycle Corps (Lieutenant Finnis) 21; Garrison Band (Bandmaster Merton), 24; Staff, 4; total, 253.

A well-attended meeting of the members of the E Battery was held on Tuesday evening, Captain Donald presiding. It was decided to hold a concert and military display in the Opera House on Monday, Dec. 19. A very attractive programme was arranged, consisting of military tableaux, songs illustrated by limelight views. Highland dances, pipe music, recitations, field gun drill, bridge building, sword exercises, ; single-stick 'melee, lance exercise, smaU-arrh drill," add other- military displays. Hie following were elected a committee Major/Wolfe, Captain Donald, Sergeant’-'Major "Treleaven, 1 Sergeants Lozard and Symes, Gunner Hobbs, Messrs Kelly, Ivey and Seager. Gunner Gresham was elected secretary, and' Gunner Tabart treasurer, Mr Kelly was appointed stage manager. The Leeston Mounted Rifles had a parade strength of forty on Tuesday night, under Captain Bong. Foot drill in extended order by Bombardier Coleman formed the chief work of the evening. ” Major Day, Captain and Adjutant Hobday and Captains Bengali and Charlewond were shown round the Lyttelton forts on Monday night by Sergeant-major Burbery and Lieutenant-commander Joyce. The visitors were greatly impressed by the general state of preparedness in which the guns and appointments were kept. The Lyttelton Navals proceeded to Fort Jflrvois on Monday night for fort-manning practice, when fifty-three of all ranks were present. A. number of visiting officers accompanied the corps, and ■were highly pleased with the efficiency displayed by the members in their work.

The Lyttelton Navals, thru engineers and the E and N Batteries, together with the Christchurch Garrison Banu. -will attend divine service at West Lyttelton, on Sunday afternoon.