VOLUNTEERING NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 11544, 1 December 1900, Page 3

VOLUNTEERING NEWS.

FRANKLIN MOUNTED RIFLES. The Franklin Mounted Rifles go into camp on December 5. At tho first parado it is intended to olect a captain in placo of Mr. C. A. Fawcett, resigned. The new range on Mr. Lano'p property, Clevedon, is to be opened on Friday, the 30th. The first match, Yctorans v. Franklin Mounted Rifles, will take place. Refreshments, I believe, are to bo provided by the ladies in tho afternoon, and a banquet will be held in the evening. A number of invitations have been issued. — South Correspondent.] HOKIANGA MOUNTED RIFLES. Tho final steps in the above company are now underway. After the first_ enrolment, intending members in outlying districts wero given an opportunity to enrol, and, as a consequence, tho first batch of forms filled in was not' sent to Colonel Banks. All the papers will bo sent in shortly, so that wo shall soon have in order. Thirty-two wero sworn-in on November 9, and recruiting is proceeding in other parts of tho district. Tho first parado was held on November 9, so that those who had joined could have a taste of recruit drill. They were put through various movements during tho afternoon. A largo number had brought shotguns, and after being instructed by Captain Henderson, fired a feu de joie. After this they wore extended in skirmishing order, and led to an attack on the hill, on which stands the Waimamaku native school. A considerable amount of ammunition was mod in volley and independent firing, and tiio final charge on the top of the hill was finished with a hearty cheer. A good number turned up for drill on Saturday, tho 17th. As tho day was wet, thoso present wero formed in small squads in tho native school, and taught various turning movements and saluting. This is ' all preliminary work, that will prepare us for hard graft when tho company and of-' ficers have been gazetted. After drill, a meeting was held to elect a secretary and ' auditors. Mr. J. R. Page was elected i secretary, and in him the company has an i enthusiastic volunteer. Messrs. J. L. • Bourke and F. Brocoy were elected auditors.— [Waiotemarama Correspondent.]