VOLUNTEERING NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11629, 17 April 1901, Page 7

VOLUNTEERING NEWS.

MARSDEN MOUNTED RIFLES. During the past two weeks the members of tins corps, from the old captain clown to the hon. bugler, have been working away getting the camping-ground ready, and cleaning up the drill paddock, in expectation of their going into camp on April 18. New chargers have been bought, and tho saddlers of the neighbourhood have clone quite a brisk trade in saddles and military bridles, and on Saturday, the 13th inst., all their hopes were brought to an end by Cantain Clark-Walker informing them that Colonel White had received instructions from the Commander of the Forces to the effect that he did not approve of the 18th inst. as a suitable day, and suggested a later date. Everyone considers that it is a pity, as tho men wished for the camp, as at this time of the year they aro not so busy cropping or harvesting as they will be in the spring. The horses are in better form than in the spring, and they cannot go into camp in the summer without great loss to themselves, as they nearly all are connected with farming and dairy industries, and, another thing, the ground is not so sodden with rain as it is in the spring, and therefore the drilling in grass paddocks does not cut them up so much at this time of tho year as in the spring. The proposed camp would have set the men up for the* next year, and Captain Clark-Walker intended to have fired the company's class and volley-firing during the camp, and then there would only have been the six daylightparades to put in to gain the necessary qualification for capitation; but it is not to be. These country corps aro unlike their town brothers, as they never seem to growl, and I have noticed that this corps in particular seems to take all orders from headquarters as the "will of heaven;" still, to refuse a request for a camp when the mencan go in with tho least loss to themselves, is not management calculated to encouragevolunteering in this colony. I understand that in July last year a supply of buttons. and stars was sent for from the Defence Store. Wellington, and that they have not arrived in Wellington yet, and this corps has not received its belts, etc., for which it has been waiting for 12 months, and yet these men say nothing, but continue to drill, and if asked when they will have their belts they say, "We'll get them some day." Another thing, the Defence. Department have upset the election of two lieutenants, as there were not two-thirds of the enrolled strength (some 100 men) on the parade state on the day on which tho election was held, although others were present at the meeting who were- too late for the ""parade, or prevented ' from falling in on account of heir horses falling sick that dav. This will necessitate another meeting being called for election of these officers over again." A number of new members have joined chirms' the past few weeks.—[Own Correspondent.]

WHANGAREI RIFLES. Drill was held in the Theatre Royal, Wha.ngarei, on Thursday evening:, April 11. Those present went through the various movements in a very creditable manner. Captain Steadman is holding classes of instruction for the officers and non-commissioned officers of his company, and they are making very good use of their time, and becoming very proficient in their drill and duties, all seeming confident that they will pass their coming examination. Great indignation is expressed amongst the members of this company at their being served out with the old Snider rifles —[Own Correspondent.]