VOLUNTEER AND SERVICE JOTTINGS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 13030, 22 November 1905, Page 1 (Supplement)

VOLUNTEER AND SERVICE JOTTINGS.

[ex. sentinel.] Tee No. 2 Battalion Auckland Infantry (country battalion) go into camp of instruction on Saturday next.

Colonial Davies, officer commanding the Auckland volunteer district, will inspect, the No. 1 Battalion Auckland Infantry one* evening during December month."

Major-General Hutton'si new book;.' dealing with military subjects, insists upon the adoption by Australia of the militia system, as the only possible solution ofHhe national military problem. • : ■„

The Avondale troop of the A Squadron Auckland Mounted RiMes is being quickly recruited, and ha§ now a force of 20 men of a very suitable class. There are still a few vacancies for good men with horses. : '

The members of the Atarana, Rifle Club fire the first, round of the club championship on Saturday afternoon next. As so many members have already shown fine form, the scoring should be very big.

After the weekly parade of the No. 1 Native Rifles on Monday night a meeting was held for the purpose* of electing a. lieutenant. Mr. M. Atkinson, : formerly an officer with the Eden. Cadets, was unanimously elected to the vacancy.

Private Jas. Parslow, the veteran marks-' man, and one time New Zealand champion, is still capable of putting on a. good score.: In a trophy competition at Waihi on Saturday last he figured on the scratch mark, and finished third' with 91 of a possible 100 points., ; * ■

The annual shooting, competition open to teams (10 a-side) of bona-fide members of defence cadet corps of the secondary schools throughout the colony, is to be fired next, week. The match was instituted in 1903, and was then won by the representatives of the Otago. Boys' High School, with 605 points.'' • Last year it was won by the Wan-ga-nui Collegiate School team., with 672 points. ' '

An election was held at Avondale by the A Squadron Auckland Mounted Rifles' last Saturday. Lieutenant. Wiiyte was elected to the position of captain of the squadron (a, -post rendered vacant by Captain Wynyard's promotion to the rank of major), and Sergeant-Major Potter was elected a lieutenant. The meeting was very enthusiasm tic, both officers being "very popular- with the .squadron. '

A meeting of garrison officers was held in the clubrbom, Drill Hal!, last Friday evening, and was well attended. Major J. R. Reed, commanding the Infantry Battalion, was present, and discussed .matters relating to outpost duty with the officers. On the major's recommendation it was decided that the infantry companies should; devote more attention to outpost work at. the 'weekly parades, in order to bring about a higher state of proficiency in the duties pertaining, thereto.

Lieutenant M. Atkinson, elected an officer of the No. 1 Native Rifles on Monday evening, has been deputed to look after the rifle-shooting by the members of the corps, and should effect a decided improvement in this important branch of training, as he is a first-class shot, and has a thorough knowledge of all matters relating to shooting. It is nis intention to be on the rifle range whenever the men are shooting, with the object.'of coaching- the beginners.'. " ~

The finish in the rifle match by members of the No. 8 Company New Zealand Garrison Artillery Volunteers, for Bombardier .Watson's trophy on Saturday last, at Penrose, was decidedly interesting, and „some j very creditable shooting was done. The winner, Gunner E. Dillon, who is rapidly coming to the front as a marksman, put on 8? out of a possible 100 points. . Gunner M. Ferguson was top scorer with 92, but ''had to be .satisfied with the position of runner-up, Dillon having established a substantial lead in the first match.

The rifle shooting match between the officers of the Blue and "Khaki" battalions was fired at Penrose on Saturday, and was won by the "Blues" by 17 points. I fancy the result came as a surprise to the infantry representatives,. as there was an impression abroad prior to the event that they would prove the winners. Captain L. Skinner, who for many years has been, one of our leading marksmen, claimed the distinction of putting on the highest, individual score of -90 points of a possible 100. On the whole the shooting was very creditable, .seeing' that a number of our officers do not indulge In much shooting practice. .

I hear that the Eden Cadets have after all decided to carry 'on. ' The officer commanding (Captain W. H. Shepherd) intends to have new uniforms made at once, and within a, few weeks these will be available. This

will be good news to the boys, unlimited numbers of whom are available as recruits, the Eden corps being the only open company in - Auckland on the defence cadet branch of the service. The news will also j be well received' by the various adult corps, the majority of which have ex-cadets in ' the ranks. Captain Shepherd deserves credit for the splendid work he has done in connection with the cadet movement, and it may be mentioned that during three years no less than '70 Eden Cadets were transferred to or joined adult corps. As the capitation for cadets is only 5s per head per annum, it will be recognised that the strictest, economy must have been observed to keep the corps out of debt-. It will take something like £100 to uniform the boys afresh, so that with the scanty Government grant it will be seen that the officers have a big task in hand to find the necessary money. Captain Shepherd will be in attendance at the -shed on Friday evening j next to take a limited number of recruits, I who must be boys between the age of ,14 and 17 years, and not less than sft 2in ira height. r !

The programme of events-for the annual prize-firing meeting, to be .held under the auspices of the Auckland Rifle Association at the Penrose range on January 1 and 2, 1906, is in every way an excellent one, and compares more than favourably with those issued by associations in other parts-of the colony. In addition to trophies, about £190 in cash will be distributed as prizes, and entries for eight matches only amount to £1 5s 6d, which is considerably less than is charged by the Wanganui, Wairarapa, Taranaki, Wellington, and ' other associations that might be mentioned. With the object of encouraging young shots, tyro prizes have been allotted in the four aggregate matches at the Auckland meeting, and a nursery match, carrying Mr; Whitney's prize, lias also been included. The committee has wisely discarded the old system of mixed teams in the company teams' match, and their action. has resulted in increased interest being taken in the event. Without doubt this is the finest match on J

the programme, and it is expected that close on 20 teams will enter. The Gordon shield, the finest trophy held by the. association, goes to the winners of this match., who will hold it for 12 months. - The committee has decided to allow the use of props at the meeting,"but this mil probably be tho last, occasion, as the.New Zealand Rifle Associaturn intends to debar their use at the next meeting. ■ The A Squadron Auckland Mounted Rifles, in conjunction with the College Rifles, had a most instructive afternoon last Saturday. The College Rifles, with the Avondale troop of mounted :• rifles, formed the defending force, and took up a position at Avondale, while the remainder ' of the A Squadron acted as the attacking; force, their objective being the position occupied by the College Rifles. The attacking force was commanded by Major Wynyard and Lieutenants yVhyio and Eollett, and the defence

conducted by Lieutenants Dawson ".and Shera, of the College Rifles, and Lieutenant Potter, of the Mounted* (Lieutenant Dawson in cpmmand). The. attack was commenced after the defenders' position had been located by the Mounted Rifles making a frontal attack to engage;the enemy, whilst the remainder made a flank .'attack on the left. The enemy's flank was soon found to be heavily guarded against, but the Mounted?, advancing under a steady fire, forced the defenders to give way, and following up their advantage compelled them to retire to their main position, 011 which a combined frontal flank attack was made simultaneously by the Mdunteds, but. the College Rifles having chosen, an extremely good position the attack was driven off. Major Reed acted' as umpire, and complimented the forces 011 the manner in which the manoeuvres had been earned out 011 both sides, afterwards pointing out the mistakes he had noticed. In the evening the College Rifles were entertained : by the Mounteds at a smoke concert in the Avondale Hall, and a most enjoyable evening was spent.

The programme for the 32nd annual prize firing meeting, to be held under the auspices of the Auckland Rifle Association, at the Penrose rifle range 011 January 1 and 2, 1906, has been issued, and' I have to thank the lion. secretary, Captain W. H. Shepherd, for a- copy. The events as as under: — No. 1 match: The Patron's', seven shots at 300 yds arid 600_vds; the Avondale trophy, and £22 10s in 25 prizes; .1. at: £3. 1 at £2, 3 at. £1 10s, 4 at. £1, 4: at 15s, ,12 at 10s (last five prizes for tyros).. No.- 2:i The Vice-patron's, seven shots ~at [500 yds and 600 yds ; the Herald cup, and £22 10s, in 25 prizes (last five prizes for tyros). ; • • No.*3:;The President's, 1 seven shots • at, 200yde,' 500 yds, and 600 yds; the Star* cup, and £22 10s in 25 prizes (last five prizes for tyros). No. 4:! The Vice-president's, seven shots at 600 yds and 700 yds; Mr. A. Kohn'e trophy, and £22 10s, in 25 prizes (last five for tyros). The aggregate of matches 1, 2, 3, and; 4, £10 in 8 prizes, the Mayors gold medal and £2, 1 at £2, 2 at £I*lo*, 2 at £1, 2 . at- 10s. No. 5: The Members', seven shots at 200 yds and * 500 yds,'; £15 in 20 prizes Captain Stevenson's trophy and £2, 1 at £1 10s, 2 at £1, 6 at 155,-10 at-lOs (open only to members of the association). No. 6: Company teams, teams of five men from any volunteer corps or rifle club, seven, shots at 200 yds, 500 yds, and 600 yds; time limit! of 30 minutes at 200 yds and 500 yds, and 35 minutes ut 600 yds; sweepstake of £1 per team. No.. 7:" The Nursery, 10 shots at 500 yds, entry 4s; £10 in'ls prizes : Mr. C. A. Whitney's' trophy' anil £1 10s, 1 at £1, 4 at 15s, 9 at 10s (open only to those who have never won a prize, cadet and teams' matches excepted. No. 8: Head and Shoulders, seven shots at 200vds; four seconds' exposure of target; £12 10s, in 20 prizes. No. 9: Service match, 10 shots at 500 yds, £15 in 20 • prises _ verniers, windgauges, or colouring matter not allowed; sights may be blackened, but. the bar must have the 'three permanent lines on and no wind lines. No. 10: Rapidity, - seven shots' at 500 yds in one minute. Bis ley target, £12 10s in* 20 prizes. Entries' will be received , by the boh. secretary at the Drill Hall on "Friday, December 22, and may also be made on the ground on payment of an additional fee,;

THE NAVAL UNIFORM. Now that an endeavour is being made it "reform" Jack's uniform out of all semblance to its present cut, it is of interest (reraarts the Pall Mall Gazette) to recall how certain : of the things attacked came into being. The broad blue collar is a survival of the days of stiffly plastered -pigtails. The three rows of white braid ; upon it are reminders of Nelson's three great battles, and the black silk neckerchief , was first worn as mourning ■ for the great admiral—at least, such is the naval legend. Lower-deck uniform has changed pretty -often. In.■ fact, until quite recent, years every captain made his men dress according to bis own fancy. Probably the existing uniform, is not the best that might be devised, but it is certainly far preferable to some of the styles that art? being suggested to' the Clothing Committee. Amongst these is a general issue of peaked caps similar to those worn by the marine bandsmen. How is it, by the way, that navy and army dress reformers alike start with the caps? - And why is it that the.v always become enamoured of some ugly and ' unsuitable design? What- Jack really wants is not a new style of uniform, but a free issue of clothing. He does not think it fair \ that be should be saddled* with the cost of / his uniform, whilst soldiers and marines get theirs free. Any change that does.not have - the effect of greatly lessening, the demand ~ ' upon his pocket will not, bo enthusiastically • welcomed by the sailor. , . < , \ ; TAR-GET PRACTICE. '' Target practice of a novel kind is about to be introduced into the British fleet (says the Pall Mall Gazette).' Amongst the many , questions upon which diverse views are held by experts is that of what chance a destroyer making a night attack, upon a, battleship would have of escaping .after she had been discovered by the latter's searchlights. In determining this i point the skill of the battleship's gunners would, of course, be a very important factor. But taking aim at a ~-.il suddenly repealed object by night is very different from picking up a target, by day. Nor is the firing of blank cartridges during night attacks a very satisfactory method of practice, being certainly a very imperfect way of ascertaining what gunners could do. . The scheme now devised is, however, both original and practical. A target shaped like the outline of a destroyer is being constructed, and upon the framework Of this a number'of incandescent lamps will bo hung, . much after the fashion adopted for illuminating a ship. In the darkness this target is to be towed along at a high speed, no clue : to its whereabouts being given until the towing vessel suddenly switches on current and lights up the outlining lamps. Immediately this happens the guns', crews of the . ship supposed to be attacked will direct their fire upon the illuminated target. What sort of practice they make can then he easily ascertained by examining the target afterwards. This kind of night firing should be excellent training for the gun- . layers, while some useful information should be afforded as to how a torpedo vessel of any kind would be likely to fare in a night duel with a bigger ship that was on fcbe alert for her waspish foe.