THE NEW ZEALAND MILITARY CONTINGENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10425, 24 April 1897, Page 4

THE NEW ZEALAND MILITARY CONTINGENT.

[by telegraph. —press association.]

Wellington, Friday. Both the Maori and European contingent* to go home drill regularly at Island Bay. The former have most aptly, under the instructions of Sergeant-Major Rodgers, of Hawera, fallen into military manoeuvres, and, with the Europeans, give every promise of doing credit to the colony. If the uniforms are ready by to-morrow it is intended to have a church parade on Sunday, The whole contingent is under the comwand of Commandant Pole-Fenton, but the duty of instructing the men devolves upon Captains Coleman and Robin and SergeantMajor Rodgers. Lieutenant Colonel Pitt, who goes home in command, is present daily, and the Hon. James Carroll almost daily witnesses the evolutions. Rangi, nephew of Major Kemp, who was one of the natives selected to go, has been pre* vented owing to slight illness. _ There is very little doubt that the Wellington contingent lor the Bisley rifle shooting will get away. Volunteer Arthur Ballinger, the champion, will probably pay his own expense?, as will Volunteer Hawthorns. The expenses of Chief Petty Officer. Williams, who finished second for the Belt in Auckland, are already provided for, while there is every probability that thl expenses of Bombardier Howe will also bt arranged. Lieutenant Kirk, as previously announced, is unable to visit England with the Bisley team.

As Mr, W. Hazard, ono of the Auckland Rifle representatives, is leaving oil Monday next for Home, to take part in the Bisley competition, we are requested to call aw tention to the fact that a subscription list on his behalf has been opened by some ol the leading volunteers. Corporal Webster has agreed to pay all personal expenses, so no help is needed in his case. The Contingent will leave for I.yttelton in the Tutanekai early next week, to catch the Ruahine, which leaves there on the 29tli inst.