MAUKU.

New Zealand Herald, Volume VII, Issue 2103, 21 October 1870, Page 2

MAUKU.

[FROM OVa OWN ORUESI'ONDENT.] The usual Government monthly inspection parade of our little corps — the Forest Rifle Volunteers — took place on their parade ground, Patumahoe, on Saturday lasL, the loth instant. The corps mustered in very strong force, considering they had been all day traversing the country for miles round in search of our missing settler. Mr. G. Cox, there being fully fifty, under tho command of Major D. 11. Lusk, Ensign Mclsopp being on the ground. The men were clad in their new uniform. I am glad to say it is an improvement, as they will appear more soldierly than heretofore. After answering their names at muster they were formed into squads for the purpose of being drilled more efficiently, the instfactor (Sergeant Mowbray), taking one, and Sergeant Flood the other, Sergeant Jones also rendering able assistance. After giving the squads all the drill deemed necessarv, the company was re-formed, and saluting colours being planted, they were, together with the band, initiated into marching past in both slow and quick lime, which was done very fairly, considering it was the first time at this manoeuvre, whi3h requires a th irough soldierly bearing anil well-drilled men to perform the evolution correctly. The band was in attendance, and played a selection of music admirably, showing that thoy are losing no time with their studies. They are also steadily increasing in number, which speaks well for tho future. After the parade being dismissed, a goodly number of tho company expended their monthly allowance of ammunition — ten rounds —in target-practice at the 500 yards range ; and I must say some of them will turn out good shots, one iu particular (Private Crawford) always scoring a high number. This corps is, I am proud to jay, endeavoring to render itself efficient in its drill. They meet on two evenings in the week, when drill is conducted in the houses of Messrs. Fraser and Hunter, respectively, by the instructor. Later in the evening the band attended at the Falls, the resideneo of Major Wily, and per formed a choice selection of music to a goodly assemblage of listeners, who appeared to enjoy the treat, for which too much cannot be said of the ability of their instructor, who led them on the occasion, and of the trouble and pains that must have been taken by the bandsmou to have reached their present state in so short a time.