VOLUNTEER INTELLIGENCE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVIII, Issue 6066, 27 April 1881, Page 5

VOLUNTEER INTELLIGENCE.

The monthly inspection parade of the Auckland Rifle Battalion was held in the drill-shed last night. There were good musters of the Victoria and Hobson Companies, but the other companies had only a moderate attendance. Major Withers, officer commanding the district, was inspecting officer.

[FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

Grahamstowx, Tuesday,

Major Murray,, who has been in command of the volunteers in this district for the last three years, has forwarded his the Government. Some time since Major Murray contemplated taking this step, but he was prevailed upon to defer his intentions. Owing to failing health and pressing business engagements, he has, however, been compelled to resign. At a meeting of officers held last (Monday) night, he informed the officers present of his resignation, and explained his reasons for doing so. The severance of the gallant Major's connection ■with the volunteer movement will be a severe loss. To Major Murray the volunteers on the Thames owe much of their present efficiency. In fact, it is not too much to say that the numerical strength and soldierly bearing of the Thames volunteers would never have been what it is at the present time but for his personal exertions. It is difficult to estimate what the effect of his resignation will be, Here lie was heart and" soul of the movement, and numbers only joined the ranks because they were commanded by so enthusiastic an officer. That there are many good volunteer officers here there can be no doubt, but it is more than doubtful whether another officer can be found who will fill the position that Major Murray has just vacated anything like as efficiently, and with excellent judgment. The reasons given for taking the step he has, are certainly quite sufficient. There are few men who would have devoted the time and patience, not to say anything about expense, to this object that Major Murray has clone, without receiving any adequate remuneration for his services.