VOLUNTEERING NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11650, 11 May 1901, Page 3

VOLUNTEERING NEWS.

HOKIANGA MOUNTED RIFLES. Tins company is going a bit easy now, as far as parades are concerned. At first, things seemed hard for beginners, as we had to crowd a year's work into about four months. We got through all right, having done a good deal more- than the work set out in the regulations, as well as completing class and volley-firing. If the authorities would hurry up, and supply us with the rest of our accoutrements, everyone would be hopeful as to the future, but at present it seems as if the Government is satisfied with the fact that the men are enrolled. We have no belts, pouches, or bandoliers, and in a recent field-firing competition the men had to carry the ammunition in their trousers' pockets, as the jerseys they have for fatigue work have no pockets. The company expect the uniforms by steamer on May 14. This will make a great difference in the appearance of the men, and keep up their interest. preparations are being made for the journey to Auckland, to take part in the celebrations in honour of the visit of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall. On May 17 the first annual ball of the company takes place in the llawone Hall, and is being looked forward to with great interest.— [Wttiotemarama Correspondent.!