THE AUCKLAND VOLUNTEERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIII, Issue 7694, 20 July 1886, Page 3

THE AUCKLAND VOLUNTEERS.

TO TUE EDITOR.

Sir, —I happened to ne present at the last Queen's Birthday parade of the Auckland Volunteers, held in the Government House paddock, and two things struck me forcibly: the earnestness and desire to do their duty exhibited by both officers and men (as fine a body as I had ever seen of all arms got together) and the washed-out appearance of their uniforms on the evening of the same day. On inquiry I found that most of their uniforms were new, and by the wearers being exposed to an incessant rain for some hours their dreeses were literally spoilt, not havinga blanket or great coat to protect them from the inclemency of the weather. Now, this ia not as it should be. For field manoeuvres, such as took place on that day, a fighting costume composed of a blue serge ahirt, or jumper, with serge trousers and gaiters, should be provided for all ranks, and a blanket made into a pancho and worn aoross the chest. This drees would have been found much more serviceable for the work before them than their parade uniforms, which should only be worn on gala occasions. And further, every officer and non-com-missioned officer should have been furnished with a sketch map of tbe district in which his company waa supposed to manoeuvre. This, with a little explanatory drill in the shed prior to starting, would have made all hands acquainted with the main features of the ground, and effectually prevented the mistakes and confusion inevitable from the omission of this important duty.—l am, &c, An Old Offickr.