VOLUNTEER AND SERVICE JOTTINGS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 11198, 19 October 1899, Page 3

VOLUNTEER AND SERVICE JOTTINGS.

181 SENTINEL.!

The Ponsonby Navals go into their annual camp of instruction at the North Shore on November 10.

I hear that the vacancy for a junior subaltern in the Devonport Coastguard Artillery is likely to be filled shortly.

Volunteers in uniform will be admitted to the lectures on the Soudan campaign by War Correspondent Villiers next week at reduced rates.

If none but mounted infantry are required for service in the Transvaal, why have the members of the Permanent Militia been included in the contingent?

The members of the Akarana Rifle Club indulged in some useful practice at the club s range, Avondale, on Saturday last. A match is to bo arranged for Saturday next.

Thero are still a few vacancies in the ranks of the Auckland Mounted Rifles, caused by several members of the corps joining ihe New Zealand contingent for the Transvaal.

Tho Auckland Engineers held a meeting after parade on Monday evening, when Ser-geant-Major Johnson and Quartermaster-Ser-geant Hewson were elected subalterns of the company.

It was understood that a requisition was sent to Wellington some lime back for a Pioneer outfit for tho No. 1 Battalion, but so far nothing appears to have been done in the matter.

The rejected members of the Auckland contingent may find some solace in the thought that " 'Twere better to havo loved and lost, than never loved at all."'

At the next meeting of the Northern Gun Club on October 28 mombers intend to indulge in somo "rocketers," with a view of practising for the club's large handicap pigeon match on December 22 next.

An imitation lias hoen received by telegraph from the Mayor of Wellington by Mayors of the various boroughs of Auckland to attend the ceremony in connection with the departure of the Transvaal contingent at Wellington next Saturday.

The Mount Eden rifle range was reopened on Saturday last, when the "A" Battery, Auckland Engineers, and Auckland Rifles ,ittended for class-firing. The Auckland, Ponsonby, and Devonport Navals will occupy the range for class-firing pui-poscs next Saturday.

Captain Baume having been granted three months' leave of absence, the No. 3 Native Rifles are now under the command of Lieutenant Thompson, at present the only commissioned officer on the staff. I have not heard of anyone being nominated for the vacancy as junior subaltern yet.

I have to acknowledge copies of the Victorian Rifle Association's programme for the 39th meeting, to be hold during the week ending November 18. Nine matches are open to New Zealanders becoming members of the association, entries closing on the 21st of this month. The Martini-Henry rifle wiil be used in all but two of the matches. "Volunteer Officer" writes, asking why no officers from the Auckland district have been included; in the Transvaal contingent staff; also, if all of the Southern officers chosen fill all requirements as to mounted work and age? For an answer to the first query, I must refer my correspondent to the authorities at Wellington, but may safely answer the second in the negative. The revised programme of events to be decided at the grand military tournament at Potone, Wellington, on November 9, has reached mo, and is available to any intending competitors who may wish information, I note that a bayonet exercise competition, open to all volunteers and' cadet corps armed with the carbine (instructor and 12 men), has been added since the issue of the original programme. Captain Holgate, of the Auckland Mounted Rifles, has received a telegram from the members of his corps attached to the Transvaal contingent at Wellington, expressing a hope that he will be present at the "sendoff" on Saturday next. Business engagements will prevent the Captain visiting Wellington, hut it is his intention to wire a farewell to eaoh member of the company. About 18 months back a Commission set up by the Government, at considerable expense, visited the principal volunteer centres of the colony, to inquire into the question of the mobilisation of the New Zealand volunteer forces in the event of an outbreak of hostilities, but the officers of the various districts have never benefited one iota by the deliberations of the Commission, and know no more to-day about the mobilisation of the forces than beforo that august body sat. As the "A" Battery Artillery will be required to recruit their strength to 100 to .'ope with tho new field battery now en route from England, there will bo a vacancy in the company for a junior subaltern. In this connection the name of Mr. T. Taylor, late of the Auckland Mounted Rifles, has been mentioned as a. candidate, and I hear that his old company are also anxious that he should again offer himself for re-election to the post from which ho recently resigned. At the Northern Gun Club's usual meeting on Saturday last some good shooting was made by several members of the club. Mr. Kelly broke 13 out of 15 birds fired at, while Mr. George Blomfield broke 12 out of 15, winning the match on his handicap of two points. These were exceptionally good scores, as the last 10 birds fired at were "double rise." There was no meeting of tho club on Saturday, September 30, on account of bad weather and heavy rain on that afternoon. There is some talk of Lieutenant Watson, senior subaltern of the Ponsonby Navals, resigning his commission shortly, but it is to be hoped that rumour will not be borne out. Mr. Watson has been associated with volunteering in Auckland for 16 or 17 years, is a thoroughly capable and painstaking officer, and possesses the respect and confidence of every member of the corps to which he is attached. Still quite a young man, another four or five years would entitle him to both the long service and Queen's medals. Arrangements for the sham fight at Henderson on Prince of Wales' Birthday, November 9, are well in train, and it only now remains for the Government to grant the application for the us? of a train for conveyance, free of charge, to definitely settle matters. As our volunteers are anxiously awaiting a reply from headquarters in order that they may make other arrangements for the spending of the holiday in the event of a train being refused, it is to be hoped that the authorities at Wellington will not unnecessarily delay matters. _ Morris tubs practice and musketry instruction is proceeding satisfactorily at the Drill Hall I hear that paper targets are to be substituted) for the iron targets for tube shcoting, in order that those shooting may, when they have done firing, be handed the target containing their score, thus giving an idea where the hits were put, which, cf course, cannot be done with the iron target.?, which have to be white-washed after the shooting. The paper targets will be about bin square, and will be nailed to boards placed in front of th'o old iron targets. The Manurewa division of the Auckland Mounted Rifles are giving an "At Home" in the Public Hall, Papakura, on Friday evening next. Arrangements for this entertainment had been commenced by Sergeant Harrowell and two of his men (Private Jinks and Corporal D, Bodle) before leaving for Wellington with the contingent, and might, in consequence of their departure, have fallen through but for the energy of Privates Jones, J. Bodle, and others. Captain Hclgate, Lieutenant Banks, and Auckland members will bo present. A good programme of music, songs, and dances lias been arranged. Although the Auckland' district can bo.ist some of .the most up-to-date non-commis-sioned officers in the colony, not a single member of the detachment has been appointed to the staff of the New Zealand contingent for the Transvaal. It is extreme'y doubtful, for instance, if some of those appointed can present better credentials than Sergeant-Major Bradford, of the No. 2 Battalion, an (Id Grenadier Guardsman, a thorough soldier and a capital drill; yet the Aucklander does not appear to have had a chance to win his way in. As kissing goes by favour, so apparently do appointments to the New Zealand contingent for South Africa. A letter received here from an Aucklander now in Wellington, confirms my statement elsewhere that there is a lot of wire-pulling going on in connection with the selection /

of the Now Zealand contingent for the Transvaal. As instances, the writer cites the inclusion of an officer not yet 19 years of age, and a member of the Marlborough Mounted Rifles, who has not undergone! a single drill. Ho then goes on to say that several of those who are condemned are supposed to be the best riders (that is, rough riders) in the camp, bill are rejected because they cannot sit the military position. If the writer refers to the English military position, then I should say that there are very few men in the camp who will pass muster.

In last week's notes I suggested that the officers of the garrison should provide themselves with a map of South Africa, setting forth the scene of operations and positions of the troops, in order that they might more leadilv follow the movements in the Boer war, the map to be hung in the officers' room in the Drill Hall. Meeting Major White a day or two afterwards, he informed mo that ho had already ordered the preparation of a map such as that indicated in theso columns, and that it would be in use in the course of a few days, when officers will lie at liberty to follow the positions of the troops, etc., as set 1 forth in the daily press cables, thus keeping well abreast of the various movements.

In yesterday's issue, "Jakin" expresses surprise and disgust to see that no officers appeared on tho list of Auckland volunteers for the Transvaal, and goes 011 to say that, the Auckland officers presumably prefer the ease and security of New Zealand to any hard work and bullets in the Transvaal. As there may bo others equally as ignorant as "Jakin" of the reason why no officers have been chosen from here. I may, in justice to the volunteer officers of Auckland, explain that several officers offered their services, but as some of them were from our infantry corps and others were debarred owing to their being married men, or through the ago limitation, the authorities at Wellington did not see fit to accent the services of officers from this district, while men conforming with all the requirements were available in other centres.

Tho reserve artillery of the Free State consists of men who have served three years in tho State artillery, but who are liable to be called up at any time on active service. The permanent artillery is a very small corps, aljout 100 strong, and the reserve number is about 350. The corps is an excellent one as far as drill goes, and is armed with lvrupp, Armstrong, WhitworHi, and mountain guns of the most modern description. In connection with the artillery, and under the same command, there is a small and welldisciplined force of mounted police. Tho number of enrolled burghers liable to command is about 17,000. A short time ago a detachment of the artillery was sent to occupy Van Reenen's Pass, just above Ladysmith, 011 the borders of the Free State and of Natal, and the principal entrance to the 1 Free State from the north-west boundary of Natal. Our special correspondent at Wellington informs us (Tuesday's issue) that it has been discovered that 12 men belonging to the Transvaal contingent, mostly from the infantry companies in Auckland, have not been found equal to the severe tests of horsemanship required, and that as the safety of tho men in the Transvaal in a great measure depends on their skill in managing their steeds, thoso found wanting would be sent back home. I am not altogether surprised to hear that some of the men are not as expert horsemen as might be wished, but as one and all passed the test required of them locally before their depar f for Wellington, it certainly does seem a little strange— suming that the same test sufficed in other centres— I he whole of those found' wanting should hail from Auckland. Several smart young men came forward for enrolment in the ranks of the Auckland Mounted Rifles at the weekly drill in Sy-mends-street last evening to fill vacancies left by those men now en route for South Africa. The company can easily send another contingent to join their comrades at the Transvaal if required, provided the conditions as to ago are amended. . It would be much better to do this than to tako men from infantry corps on the offchance of their passing the test for horsemanship. Tho Mounted Rifles sympathise to tho full with those men who have been rejected, but think it b better for their own sakes and the credit of the contingent that they should be sent back, as no doubt they would on arrival at the scene of hostilities have many long and revere marches to perform, which would probably have the effect of incapacitating men for any duty who had not been accustomed to prolonged exercise mounted. "A Loyal Irishman" writes:—"To 'Sentinel:' Dear Sir,—Cardinal Moron's unsolicited advice to men who have volunteered for cctive service in the Transvaal does not appear to be appreciated one whit more on this side of the water thau it has been, by all accounts, on the side from which it- came. It is as clear as the noonday sun that His i Eminence twaddle re 1 going to certain : death and finding a grave in a foreign land' " suggested by senseless antagonism to the British Crown, and not by any sincere solicitude for those to whom his uncalled-for remarks are directed. In like manner, His Eminence poked his august nose into the Somoan affair in probably an equally truthful manner, and instigated by the same motive. It is a pity his talei is do not find sufficient scope in attending to his Church affairs, or in inditing a pastoral to his renegade countrymen in Natal and the Transvaal, warning them against 'certain death' should they take up arms on the side of the Boers, and find themselves in front of British rifles." Touching war correspondents, the Commandant of the Victoria Forces (Sir Holled Smith), in a recent interview, said that in the event of an Australian contingent going, there was 110 objection to the principal papers being represented by correspondents, but, he added, it was perfectly certain that the latest regulations drafted on that subject, just prior to the last Soudan campaign, would be rigidly adhered to. On no account whatever would any member of the contingent, officer, non-commissioned officer, or man, be permitted to act as a correspondent for any paper. One representative would be probably allowed for each of the larger papers, but it must bo clearly understood that they would be under the Discipline Act, and that their cables would be sent through the military officers acting as a press censor. It was found that to allow military men with troops to act as correspondents was not only productive of mischief, but of breaches of discipline, Mark IV. again. There was a very interesting match a fortnight ago, at Milton range, between the R.A.R. District Staff and the 2nd Kent Volunteer Artillery, in which the much maligned Mark IV. cartridges were us .A but of whose make history does not tell (says the Army and Explosives for September). The district staff carried away the honours by 33 points. To give some idea of the excellence of the shooting, I may mention that 277 bullseyes were recorded in a total number of 531. By tho way, if the Mark IV. is withdrawn from service, and only available for practice, what shall wo do in casa war breaks out? There seems to be no hurry at the ordnance factories to create a reserve of Mark V., and so far as we can learn, the . contractors are having an easy time, chilled game shot No. 5 being more important than Mark V. bullets. Yet, by the shade of Campboll-Bannorman, the fate of the last Government will descend upon the present one if some energetic steps are not taken! The Mount Eden Range has been reopened for class-firing, and will also be open to in-dividual-firing under certain regulations. This is all very well as 0, makeshift, but the fact must not be lost sight of that sooner or later a more suitable permanent range must be provided for, and the sooner the matter is given attention the better. For quite 18 months past the question of a new site has been alleged to have been under consideration, but the half-hearted manner in which the local authorities have been moving in ' the matter lends colour to the growing impression that the Government is responsible for the delay caused fitting up of a rango would mean considerable expenditure —rather than the fact that there is not an available and accessible site to be found in the district. It is absurd to ask our volun- < teers, armed with their present up-to-date long-range weapons, to continue on at _ a range where the longest firingpoint is 600 yds, and unless action is taken before long, and greater facili- 1 ties and encouragement offered to the men ! in other directions, we may expect to see tho movement returning to that low ebb ■ that marked volunteering a few years back. The appointment of Major Madocks, staff officer to Colonel Pole-Penton, to the command of the ' No. 2 company of the New Zealand volunteer contingent for the Transvaal, comes is a surprise, and is not likely to be hailed with favour by the many competent volunteer officers of the colony, who, after spending the best years of their life in gratuitously serving their country, have been passed over just at a time when the opportunity presented itself to the Government of rewarding them for tueir long, honourable, and gratuitous services. That Major Madock is an excellent artillery officer, popular wherever he is known, and probably capable and fit to occupy the position allotted to him, will not be denied, but his appointment over the heads of suitable and bail-

able mounted rifio volunteer officers certainly savours of favouritism, and must necessarily cause dissatisfaction among those whoso jusa claims have been overlooked. Then, again, should something crop u{s in his absence, claiming tho attention of an artillery officer, what are wo to do,- with the iMajor in tho Transvaal? If a Permanent Artillery officer is not required in the colony, and for tua colony, then the sooner the Government dispenses with the office tho better. The medical services 'of tho army and navy were tho subjcct of Professor Ogston's address on surgery at the annual meeting of tho British Medical Association. Professor Ogston dealt with the matter under four heads, viz.. the unsatisfactory condition of tho services, the standard of military surgery, the want of adequate training, and the undermanning of tho medical establishments. The learned .professor does not speak without knowledge and experience, and his position as Regius Professor of Surgery in the University of Aberdeen, and Surgeon-in-Ordinary to Her Majesty in Scotland, entitles his comments to the close and careful attention of the authorities. He concludes his remarks on the Array Medical Servico by some pregnant suggestions as to the reforms needed to remedy existing defects and deficiencies. Above all is necessary, ho says, every facility to enable army surgeons at Home and abroad to keep themselves informed regarding the advances that- are always being introduced into the science of their profession. Wounds of the head, chest, and abdomen, which amount to 20 per cent-, of all wounds in battle, require operations of a serious nature which ought not to bo undertaken without the skill and experience needed for success: Havo our army surgeons ill peaco the opportunities to gain the skill and experience so needed for major operations? The answer must be in the negative, but tho mode in which theso opportunities are to be obtained lias not yet been indicated by thoso who insist 011 the necessity. Professor Ogston's address, says iv recent number of the Army and Navy Gazette, deals fairly with matters of vital interest to our army, and ought to carry weight. J

if Tho Ist Battalion Auckland Infantry, (Countess of Ranfurly's Own) paraded at tha Drill Htril last evening for monthly Govern*

ment inspection, under Lieutenant-Colonel Banks, officer commanding the district. The muster was an exceedingly good one, weather considered, numbering over 300 of all ranks, the companies and officers in command being: Victoria Rifles (Captain Skinner), Collego Rifles (Lieutenant Wither), No. 1 N.v tive Rifles (Captain Hutton), No. 2 Native Rifles (Lieutenant Ratjen), No. 3 Native Rifles (Lieutenant Thompson), Auckland Rifles (Lieuteuan; Gmver), No. 2 Victoria Rifles (Captain A jbott), Newton Rifles (Cap- 1 tain Myers). The battalion was under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Murray, who had associated' with him Brigade Surgeon Lieutenant-Colonel Dawson, Major White (Battalion Major), and Captain Major (Battalion Adjutant), Just before eight o'clock the battalion was drawn up in the shed ill column, with the officers to the front in renew order, and the colour party, with tho Queen's and regimental colours (borne by Lieutenants Boyce and Shaw, and accompanied by the escort), were escorted into tha shed, taking up a position in front oi the company officers, tho Garrison Band mean-" while striking up the familiar air Soldiery of the Queen." Lieutenant-Colonel Banks, on arrival, was received with the general salute, and the inspection was then proceeded with, a feature being the steadiness and bearing of the men. The inspection concluded,the order, "form fours," was given, and the battalion, headed by tho Garrison Band,, moved off, tho route of march being down: Queen-street, through Custom-street West, College Hill, Ponsonby, Karangahapo Road, Symonds street, Welleslcy-street, to the Drill Hall. Tho colours wero borne in the rear of tho left flank of the right centre company, and the parade was watched throughout with considerable interest by crowds of spectators!