VOLUNTEER ITEMS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXII, Issue 7404, 12 August 1885, Page 5

VOLUNTEER ITEMS.

Colonel Sir G. S. Whitmore and Majob Boddam.—By the s.s. Wairarapa, from Southern porta and Melbourne, Colonel Sir G. S. Whitmore and Major Boddam were passengers yesterday morning. It is their intention to remain here for a short time, during which Colonel Whitmore intends to have a thorough inspection of the working of the Volunteer system here. It is also intended that a review shall be held as near the date of the Prince of Wales' Birthday as possible, and towards that end Colonel Whitmore intends to have matters managed. The review is to be of such a nature as to include a sham fight, and for that purpose the newlyerected fortifications will be brought into use, and at least one of the Government steamers will also take an active part. Major Boddam is here for the purpose of seeing to the further defence of the port, and the mounting of other guns of position soon expected to arrive in the colony, and whnh will include twenty-three guns—ten of which will be of inch, and thirteen of 6-inch calibre. When the additional guns are erected it is anticipated that Auckland will be the most strongly fortified port in New Zealand, and equal in strength to any in the sister colonies.

0 Battery Artillery.—The 0 Battery of artillery had their usual drill yesterday afternoon, when there was a good muster of 45, under command of Lieutenant Thome George, and the corps were instructed by Sergeant-Major Dunneen. Examination of Officers.—Last evening the officers of the Examination Board, consisting of Colonel Dawson, Majors Pitt, Pirie, Derrom, Shephard, and Captain Mahon, met at the Drill-shed and examined the following officers Captains Birnie and Taylor and Hulsc and Lieutenant Robertson.

Company Drill.—The following companies met last night for drill : -Victoria Rifles, under command of Captain Mahon and Lieutenants Skinner and Self; College Rifles, under Captain Sloman and Lieutenants Tonks and Houghton ; Gordon Rifles, under Captain White and Lieutenants Fairs and Leigh; Newton Rifles, under Captain Birnie and Lieutenants Robertson and Gladding. There was a very good muster. The four companies were formed into a battalion, and were put through the drill by the officers named as having been up for examination. The Queen's Own mustered 38 strong, but, owing to there not being room in the building, they were not put through their drill. Captain Keep was in charge of the company.