DRFENCE AND VOLUNTEER NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXII, Issue 7331, 18 May 1885, Page 5

DRFENCE AND VOLUNTEER NEWS.

ARRIVAL OF MAJOR CAUTLEY AND

OTHER OFFICERS.

Major Cadtlet, Major Boddam, and C»ptaia Douglas arrived at Onehunga yesterday at one p.m. by the e.s. Hinemoa. Major* Cantley and Boddam and Captain Doaglae come here in connection with the defence works at this port. They will inspect the present operations, and push on the works to completion with all speed. They visit the North Head to-day, and will probably remain here for a week before returning South again, bnt they have no fixed plans, and may be ordered away again on short notice. THE ARMED CONSTABULARY AT THE NORTH HEAD. While every exertion is being pat forward to complete the fortifications at the North Head, the question of accommodation for the Armed Constabulary men who are stationed there, and who are not only working at the fortifications, but practising at the gun?, as the nucleus of the Artillery force by whom they are to be manned, has been totally lost sight of or neglected, and it is surely time that something was done to provide them with some at least of the comforts of civilised life. They are camped on a bleak position on the side of the North Head in bell tents. The only place in which they can take their meals is under a piece of canvas spread over a pole in the form of a fly tent, without the slightest protection from the weather. They have no teds, and are compelled to lie on the damp ground, and during the recent cold weather they have suffered a great many hardships and discomforts, which we think entirely unnecessary. In the middle of a civilised community they are made to endure a worse life than they would iu the bush, or when engaged in roadmaking. Now that attention has been drawn to their state, we hope to see them at once provided with huts, as a shelter from the cold and biting winds and rains, a proper place for cooking and dining in, and, above •11, suitable - sleeping accommodation. We are quite certain that if the matter was represented to Colonel Lyon, he would make some immediate representation to the Defence Department or to Colonel Whitmore, to have the accommodation required promptly pro vided. HOBSON COMPANY. The Hobson Company's quarterly competition for the Ladies' Prize came off at Mount Eden Range on Saturday last, and as usual when this prize is competed for the weather was very unfavourable, a strong cross wind blowing! The ranges were 200, 300, 500, and 600 yards, class firing regulations. Twenty members competed, and were divided into tqnads, the right being in charge of Lieutenant Clifton and the lefc of Lieutenant Connolly. The right side scored 352 and the left 356. Volunteer J. Keefe made the fine score of 64 out of a possible SO, and was deolared the winner till next competition. His win was popular, and he was greeted with three hearty cheers on the result being declared. DRILL INSTRUCTION. At seven o'clook on Friday evening the Engineer Company, under Captain Anderson, and numbering 42 in the ranks,, assembled at the Drill-shed for instruction. Lieutenant McCullough and Dr. Daweon were also present, and at eight o'clock the Naval Artillery arrived under the command of Captain Le Roy, Lieutenants Parker and Smith, and had a good muster of 66. They were handed over to Sergeant-Major Haslem, who put them through a.course of skirmishing drill, and the Hobson - Company had instruction drill in the large room. _ Captain Anderson being desirous of having his men sworn in, the Hobspn . corps room was courteously placed at his disposal for that purpose. The Rev. Father Lenihan was present during the drill. PONSONBY RIFLES. It will be seen by advertisement elsewhere that tenders, returnable at three p.m. on he 20th inst., are called for, for providing uniforms for the Ponsonby Rifles, and specifications can be seen at Mr. D. B. McDonald's office, Insurance Buildings. The company is warned to assemble for drill at half-past seven o'clock to-night. ROYAL VETERANS. This company has made arrangements for drilling in Hull's bonded store, corner of Hwaneon and Albert Streets, on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, evenings. As Colonel Lyon will be present at to-night's parade, Captain Anderson expects every man to be present. Drill commences at a quarter* past seven o'clook. ONEHUNGA RIFLES. A special meeting of the Onehunga Rifles will be held this evening at the Masonic Hall, Onehunga, and every member is requested to attend as the business is of importance.

iBY TELKJBAPH.— PBESS ASSOCIATION. ]

Wellington, Saturday. Colonel Whitmore returns here next Friday.

A notice will be issued in a day or two, intimating to applicants for commissions in the New Zealand Militia that they will have to apply to the officers commanding the din* tricta for provisional commissions, and then present themselves before the Sohool of Instruction, where, should they successfully pass their examination within a month, the commission will be confirmed.