THE VOLUNTEERS.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XX, Issue 143, 17 June 1886, Page 2

THE VOLUNTEERS.

Tho monthly inspection of the Volantctivs took place la3f, evening 1 , when thi're was a gooi muster of the Town Companies, but the country corps hal rjot euch a good attendance as usual. The total number on parade was 277, distributed as follow*: — N-ivale, 50; II Bakery, 16; City Rifles. 17; Stoke Rifles. 36; Waimea Ilifl-s, i 59; Collet Cadet?. 35; Garrison Band, 20; Staff, 3; Hon Surgeon, 1, After the arms had been inspected by Colonel Pitt, nud. whioli were found to bo iv excellent ord?r, the force proceeded to the Botanical R servo, wluu a number of tactical manoeuvres wore pone through under Colonel Pitt and Major Webb, all of whu-h wirepeif>irin ; ;d with tho utmost precision, iv f ict the bf.ttalion was particularly steady in every movement, and there was very little talking in the ranks. Th ' Volunteers then marched through the town and back to the Drill Shed, where th- y were dismissed. The Garrison Baud, which now numbers 20, was present in full force under Bandmaster Oakcy, and during the march played several choice and lively tunes, ons of them being- a national air which has uot he^n played in Nelson for a long time pnet, and had v telling effect on some thosa j who he-^rd it. The Town corps will parade for battalion drill on Monday evening- nest. Colonel Pitt announced las: night that he iutended next month to inspect the different corps Geparately. He hoped that they would in the meantime go in for position drill, as a musketry instructor, Major Minnit, late of the IBth Royal Irish, had been appointed by the Government, and would probably visit Nelson shortly. The enrolment of recruits takes place n< xt month, and there are a few vacancies in most of the corps.