THE VOLUNTEERS.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XXXII, Issue 272, 24 November 1898, Page 2

THE VOLUNTEERS.

Jhe monthly inspection was held last evening, when there was a good muster of lhe Stoko Rifles. Waimea Rifles, Nelson Coa3t Guards, College Cadets, and Garrison Band. Lisut-Ooionel Pitt was in command, and after the arms had been inspected the force marched to tho Botanical Reserve, where the H Battery is in camp. There was a march past, after which the battalion was put through the manual exercise by Captain fcimpson, and the firing and sword-bayonet exercises by Captain Littlejohn. The battalion was then exercised in field movements by Lieuts Watson, Allport, Cooke, Stiles, and Ricketts. The drill on the whole was very good, and the ranks were steady. The force then returned to the Drill Shed where it was dismissed. About 25 of the Cable Bay staff and others residont in the vicinity have applied to join the Nelson Coast Gnards, The idea is to form a contingent at Cable Bay. The Coast Guards will discuss the matter next week. The Coast Guards will go into camp on Saturday evening for a week's training in Mrs Clements' paddock, near the Tra-falgar-street Bridge, which has been kindly lent for the occasion, Tho Waimea Rifles will <ro into camp oa Thursday next in Mr J. Baigont's bush at Wakefield, near the Jemmy Lee oridge. The Stoke Rifles will also probably hold a local camp shortly. Colonel Penton has approved of the Coast Guards adopting tho kharkee dress for their uniform, but requires that the proposed pattern be submitted to him, flio Waimea Rifles have ordered a new uniform from the New Zealand Clothing Factory, which is to be delivered next month. The II Battery are making arrangements fora new uuiEurtn to be made in the colony. The Garrison Band will also he supplied with a new uniform i shortly. Notwithstanding the timo Sergeant Webb, of tho Permanent Artillery, is devoting to tho instruction of the II Battery, he has not neglected the drilling of the Stoke Rifles and the Coast Guards with tho Maxim gun, and the several squads now show a deal of proficiency. Some of the Christehurch corps hare made a start with the whole afternoon parades for which the Government allows 2s 6d a man. The Garrison Band will give a moonlight concert in the Botanical Reserve tomorrow evening, commoncingat 8 o'clock. With the additional attraction of tho H Battery being in camp, there should be a large attendance. The members of the H Battery went up the Maitai this morning and engaged in Morris tube firing at a target placed on Knkn, Hill. Some very good scores were made. To-morrow morning the programme will consist of shell practice with Nordenfeldts at the same place. ■ ; I