THE VOLUNTEERS.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XXXIV, Issue 30, 15 February 1900, Page 2

THE VOLUNTEERS.

The monthly inspection was held last evening when, owing to the wet weather, there was a poor muster of the country corps. It is worthy of mention, however, that the Moutere contingent of the Wuiinca Rifles turned up in full force. The College Cadets were not on parade. The total number present was 137, as follows: -II flattery, :U; Stoke Rifles, 12; Wiiimeii Rifles, l!l' ; Nelsou Riiles. IS : Garrison Band, 2u : Stall. 4. Captain Littlcj )hn was in command, and lie exercised the battalion for over an hour in the Shed, and some useful work was done. . No fewer than three surgeons were on parade last night, viz., Brigade-Surgeon I/ieut.-C'ol. floor, 1.M.0. Surgeon-Major Pearlers, and Surgeon-Captain Andrew. Lieut. Topliss, of flic H Battery, was presented on parade last evening with the Volunteer Officer's Decoration. In making the presentation Capt. Littlejohn mentioned that the decoration was given by the Queen to officers who had served 2U years in the force, and whose conduct was meritorious and worthy in every respect of the honour conferred on them. Such an officer was Lieut. Topliss, who was not only a good citizen, but a conscientious, hard-working officer, who had stuck to the II Battery through good and evil report. Lieut. Topliss had risen from the ranks, aud was in command of the Battery at the bloodless battle of J'arihaka. He wished Lieut. Topliss every success, and hoped that he would long live to •..-c.tr the tki oration. Capt. Littlejohn then called for three cheers for Lieut. Topliss, which were enthusiastically given, and the Garrison Band played " For he's a jolly good fellow." At the parade last evening Captain Littlejohn mentioned that he had reeeiced an urgent telegram froln Colonel Pcnton on Sunday stating that it was intended to hold a camp at Easter, and that it would last for a week. A meeting of officers was held last night to consfder the matter, and it was resolved to forward the following resolution to Colonel Ponton :— " That the Commander of the forces be asked to allow the Nelson battalion to go to the Wellington district, so as to ensure a better muster for the week, and have the advantage of brigade drill." In the event of Colonel Ponton not approving of this.it was dooided to hold the camp in the neighbourhood of Nelson The Nelson Rifles are now the stroivest corps in the district. Surgeon-Captain Andrew was on parade for the first time last night. He intends to instruct the members of the corps in ambulance work and will deliver the first lecture to-mor-row evening. The Government lias refused to grant the Wellington Volunteers any assistance to go to Lytteitou to take part in the farewell to the Third Contingent. Lieut-Commander Joyce, of the Lyttelton Xavals, has been appointed Staff Officer to Colonel Ponton. The 51 J,( UK) yards of khaki which the Government is ordering from England is intended to be used in clothing the whole of the New Zealand volunteer force in field service uniform. The stuff will reach the colony in May or June. The Imperial Officers' Decoration, which was presented to Lieut Topliss last evening, consists of an oak wreath in silver, tied with gold, having in the centre the Royal cypher and crown in gold. It is ordained by the War Office regulations that the Decoration shall be suspended from the left breast by a green riband of one inch and a half in width from a silver oak bar brooch. To qualify for the Decoration 20 years' service as a commissioned officer in the Volunteer force, is necessary. Half of the time j served in the ranks counts towards the 20 years. After the parade last night, the members of the i[ Battery were entertained by Lieut Topliss, who stated that at tlio annual meeting next month he would make an announcement which he hoped would prove acceptable to the company. It is understood that Lieut Topliss will continue to give his services to the Battery, and that he will be willing tv accept the vacant position of captain." Lieut Topliss has applied to the Government for the two extra Nordenfeldts promised by Colom-l l'eiilon in his last two animal reports.

i;iKI,K COMPETITIONS. Tin- iirot -i-lii it, oliot, of the Jl liattcrv fiivd tiiid morning tor IJUhop Mules' trophy, when (i.M.-Sergt. Miluer secured his third win and the trophy now becomes his own property. The conditions were "jtJUyds. and (KKlyds.. 7 shots at each, and the following were the best scores : - •~><Xlyd.s<i(Xlyrls lu-p. tl <i.M.-Serj;l. Hilner L'l as s ur . r, Ijieut. t'leniin^ L."» Xi 2 l.\ Bomb. Cullin 2f< lr, -2 y On Tuesday laoinin^; the second-class allots of the Jl lottery fired for Mr MuiK-iistor's trophy. The conditions nere I" .shots at lmyds., and the bi'bt ML-ortNS "ere: — score hep. total. • iunr. Cliapinaii Cl scr. I:! Sergt. Jacksuii It i:t