VOLUNTEER NOTES.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13753, 17 November 1906, Page 14

VOLUNTEER NOTES.

Br Smtir. Captain T. .T. Husscy and Lieutenant Callan will sit. at. Iho quarterly examination of oftlccrs at Duncdin on December 5. Tim candidate at Oamarit is Lieutenant. Gillies, and at Invcreargill Lieutenant Armour.

The Duncdin Highland Rifles have issued a neat shooting prograinmo covering their competitions throughout the season, giving rules and conditions, and setting out the prizes and trophies belonging to iho corps, and apportioned to the various matches. By iho report of the match between the Dunedin Rifles and Bruce Hides, it will l>o noticed that the highest scorers (or their •respective sides were, oddly enough, named Hay and Straw. The Duncdin Navals have entered two squads for the Sargood Cup competition, A deservedly popular promotion is the election of Lieutenant .1. S. Douglas to be captain of the Dunedin City Guards. A native of Dunedin, he early became connected with the Volunteer movement, joining his present, company in IS9I as a private, being then but 19 years of age. Passing through the various grades, he attained tho position of lieutenant in 1899, and his promotion still higher now comes as a fitting recognition of his sterling work in that, eanaciiy. That Captain Douglas lias taken "a. real iivo interest in volunteering is amply evidenced by the fact that lio holds several prizes won in shooting competitions. In 1698 ho obtained the marksman's badge. Amongst oilier positions he has held that of secretary to the shooting committee of his company, and has also acted as range officer at the Otago Rifle Association's matches. It may be taken for granted his interest 'in tho battalion will bo enhanced bv his present promotion. _ • The first intcvprovincial rifle , match between Otago and Southland was lived at Invevcargill on the 9th inst. Tho conditions wore 12 men a-side. seven shots at 200, 500, and 600 yards. ' The Otago team was composed as follows:—Lieut. Tastier, Sergt. A. C. Crimp, Sergt. W. 11. Crimp, Private W, J. Crimp, and Corporal Oeddes (Green Island Rifles), Col.-Sorgt. M'Kenzio and Sergt. Bennett (Oainaru)i ■ Sorgt. Charters, Private Dickson, and Private Blakio (Bruce Rifles). Lieut. Longwortlt (North Dunedin Rifles], and Lieut. Searle (Cavershani Rifles). The result was:— . Southland .. 1027 Otago , 1011 Majority for Southland .. .. ]G Col.-sergt. M'Kenzio was highest, scorer for 01-ago with 97 points, while Corporal Ayson vfli6 highest for Southland with 96 points. Tho match was very interesting throughout. Southland will most probably send a team for tho return match at tho Otago New Year meeting. Those enthusiasts who raako- Wednesday shooting their particular charge were more Sian gratified this weok. The attendance of 21 was a record, arid was considered an auspicious omen. With. a healthy attendance Wednesday competitions-, should go ahead. Class-firing was continued, and; considering tho weather was patchy, the rosults wore fairly satisfactory.

An advance copy of tho programme for the South Island Riflo Association's third annual mooting to bo hold at Rcdcliffs from February' 1 18 to 23, 1907, has reached me. Thoro are 14 matches provided for, and besides the. cash prizes, there is a. host of trophies to be competed for. The sum of £2 6s covers entrance fee. for matches 1 to 6, and 12 and 13, members foe, and scoring book. The longest r'ango is 700 yards, and a large number of.tyro prizes aro provided. Matches 1 lo 4 cany prizes to. the value of £60 10s each; match 5 bears £95 4s; match 7 (nursery), £28; match 8 (chamnion teams), £61; match 9 (Schodl Cadets), £19; match 10 (Defence cadets), £22 3s; match 11 (School Cadets), Weekly Press challenge shield, value 50 guineas; match 12 (service), £20, between eompetitiors scoring five hits and, over; match 14 (Defence Cadets teams), £10 ss. Match 6 is the Exhibition Champion Grand Aggregate, open to members of the association onlv. The scores made in matches 1 to 5 inclusive will bo added to the final stage of 10 shots at 700 yards, all competitors to shoot in the final stage. The prizes allotted to this are:—First, champion belt, presented by the Licensed Victuallers' Association, champion gold medal, value £5 ss; and £20 addod, £25 ss; second. eoV and silver medal, vaftic £?• 2s. and £15 15s added, £17 17s; third, bronze medal, value £1 Is, and £1010s, £11 lis; and one prize of £8, one prize of £6, two prizes of £4 three prizes of £3, one prize of £5, 10 prizes of £2, and 30 prizes of £1. A now instructor has at.length been appointed to the Otago district. Coloursprgennt G. A. Henderson, the ap'poinfcee, enlisted in the Cameron Highlanders when in his 'teens, and served 14 years with that regiment. After havin? reached the rank of sergeant he was trans'crrcd to the Seaforth in which ho was co'oursorgeant, besido being sereeant-instructov of musketry for the battnlion. Ho was next posted to the Third Volunteer Battalion as drill instructor, With tho Cameron? he was through, the Egyptian (Tel-Kebir) campaign,' and holds the Egyptian medal with the Khedive star. He hus been in New Zealand over three years, but has previously been unattached to the colonial defence forces.

The Cameron Highlanders were at ono time the only single-battalion regiment in the service, that is they wore the only battalion not linked to another, and were from this circumstance referred to as " the missing link." Ten years ago pressure was used to have- this regiment made a part of the Brigade of Guards, but so strong was tho lovo of country in those Camcrons that even this proud distinction was declined. In tho early history of tho regiment it, ,was suggested the members should be drafted into other regiments. Colonel Cameron, the keen old Highlander at the head, replied to the Duke of York in these terms:—" Tell tho King, your father, that ho may march my regiment to hell, and I will' march at its head, but ho ' daurna' draft us!"

A copy of the annual programme for tho secondary schools of New Zealand Shooting Competition, to be fired at convenient ranges during the last U days of November, has reached my hands. This competition is open to One team of 10 bona fide pupils from any secondary school having a defence cadet corps, the competitors to be under the ago of 19. Last year 10 of the principal schools in the colony took part, We"ington College heading the list with 630 points out of a possible 1050. The match was instituted in 1903 to encourago shooting, and to stimulate a friendly rivalry among the secondary schools of the colony, so that tho'match is of colonial interest.

The annual match for tho Clutlta Countj Challenge Shield was fired on the Barne'go range on Novemer 9, the Owaka Rifles again proving tho winners, with tho Popotunoa Rifles second. Tho weather \va« fairly good, but at times a disagreeable wind interfered with some of the shooting. Tho six teams competed. The shooting, all round, was bettor thai) last year,.the Popotunoa Rifles and thc'Clutha. Rifles showing tho greatest improvement. The total scores were as follows:—Owaka, Rifles, 859; I'opotunoa Ritles, 845; Clutlta Mounted Hides, 835; Kelso Mounted ■ Wiles, '749; Clntha Rifles, 737; ■ Puerua Rifles Club, 727,

Tho following camp dates have been approved:—Kaitangata Rifles, commencing January 19, 1907; Bruce Rifles, commencing January 30, 1907; Popotunoa Rifles, commencing February 6, 1907; Owaka Rifles, commencing February 16, 1907; Second Battalion O.H.V. (Invercargill Corps), November 22, 1906 (previous dates cancelled l .

It is notiixl for general information that the rate of capitation to be paid to efficient Volunteers for year ending February 28, 1907, will be as under:—Mounted Vomited' corpa, £3 10s per efficient; all other adult Volunteer corps, £2 10s per efficient; defence cadet Volunteers. 12s 6d per efficient,

Lieutenant R. 0. Chesney has returned to the colony after a. course of artillery training at Home, and will' in future be stationed at Wellington-as an officer of tho Wellington detachment of the Royal New Zealand Artillery, under Major Hume. Lieutenant Chesney has been through tho Gunnery Staff course (garrison), • and tho Gunnery Staff course (field), learning his theory in the Ordnance College (Woolwich), and the practical part in School of Gunnery at Shoeburyness (garrison) and the Oakhampton field artillery practice camp. Lieutenant Chesney takes the place of Lieutenant Mickle, who has gone Home to undertake the eamo courses. There was on view at the School of Musketry, Sydney, last month a cup. valued at £60, and "containing 170oz of solid silver. It is of great historical interest, being the Wimbledon Cup of 1868 for the highest individual aggregate score. It was won in that year by Daniel F. Thornbury', who married a grand niece of Cantain Cook. The cup has been presented to the Katoomba Rifle Club, and will be offered for competition on the Katoomba range to .teams nominated by any bona fide rifle club in the C-mimonwcaltli or New Zealand. The conditions under which it will be shot for will be forwarded to clubs at an early dale. Can a fejdicr gaerificii LLV boaOw- to bis

sense of duly? In his valuable and valued paper on discipline Captain Dallas gave an instance to prove it. could be even so. "Many," ho said, "would remember the Zulu wur of 1879. and that unfortunate episode where the Prince Imperial of France met Ins death. The officer whoso ease I am quoting (Lieutenant Car;) was a personal friend of my own. A, finer soldier or a truer gentleman never set foot in stirrup. Mr Gary, as you may remember, was sent with a small party on a rcconnoitering expedition. The Prince Imperial accompanied the party. The safety of the force depended on his bringing back in formation of the proximity of tho enemy. Tho party halted for a midday rest, and the young 'Prince insisted on off-saddling. They were suddenly attacked. It was Gary's duty to carry information, to the army at any cost. Ho did so; the Prince Imperial was killwl. Had Gary stopped to defend hint, every man would have been killed, and the main body would Jiavo been surprised. AVhen tho facts became known no one would speak to him. A vacant chair was left on each sido of hint at the mess-table. Unthinking, irresponsible fools branded him as a coward. He broke his heart. He did his duty; he sacrificed his honour in Ihc eyes of men. His discipline was perfect." After the Port Chalmers Navals wero inspected by Colonel Allen on Monday evening, Captain Dodds notified tho following promotions;— Sergeants Middleditch and Montgomery to section commanders, Gunners A. Chteholm, K. Cook, P. Long, and J. Saunders to corporals, They all made a pood pass at the recent examination conducted bv Captain Swindle}- in discipline, duties, musketry, and squad drill. A parado of No! 1 Battalion is called for Tuesday, November ?,7. This will take the place of tho December parado. Shooting at a range of three miles from the NKahauranga forts in connection with tho Challenge Shield Competition. Captain Freeman's (Petone Navals) battery scored 12 hits out of 12 shots, and Lieutenant Ellis's battery scored eight hits out cf 12 shots. SOUTHLAND NOTES. ' My Southland corespondent writes on November 14 as follows: — The sixth annual shoot of the Soniuland Rifle Association, as successfully carried out on Friday and Saturday of last'week, ostablishes a record in the annals of rifle shooting at Grasmere. In past years Boxing Day and the day following have been considered eminently suitable for tho event, and it was with some show of hesitation that the change was ventured upon. It is with a deal of satisfaction, then, that one has to record tho shoot of 1906 as a very successful meeting, with record entries and improved interest. To some extent the wider scope of this year's field events must be credited to the management. That the change in date lias had an effect to this end end seems also reasonable. Plainly, then, strong reasons will have to bo shown before the old dates are reverted to.

I'iouliiland is to bo complimented upon the retention of the association championship, and the' Southland Mounted Kifles are to be congratulated upon their good fortune in possessing a 6liofc of the calibro of Trooper Dutliio. Second and third in the grand aggregate—Trooper Ayson (Murihiki) and Private Dickson (Bruce)—gave the champion a big fight and a close . go, 4points covering the three scores. Tho first day olesed witli a halo of rosy hue around the Oamaru representative, Colour-sergeant M'Kenzic. and not a few of the most capable to judge fancied his chance. The 700 yards, however, broke the Bisley reprcsntativo and his hope for the cup.

The chattie and volley firing proved interesting items, although tho winners and runners-up in both events were provided in representatives of the foct regiments, Oreti and Winton Rifles retaining hondurs.

To the General Committee is duo a word of praise, everything passing off expeditiously, without a hitch, and to some purpose. Well-made arrangements successfully carried. out means pleasant going and an enjoyable meeting.

The City Guards paraded on Monday evening under Captain Flans for ceremonial drill. On Tuesday evening the Oreti Rifles were exercised in iguard mounting and maxim gun drill, with tho camp in view.

On Tuesday evening A Company (City Guards) and band paraded to act as guard of honour to his Excellency the Governor. Parade state: Giiar<ls—Captain Flans and 47 men; Band—Bandmaster and 25 men. Tho turnout was creditable, and his Excellency's remarks after inspection eulogistic. On Wednesday tho High School Cadets No. 1 Company paraded as guard of honour at the Municipal Buildings as follows—! lieutenant and 66 cadets. Tho Garrison Band was also in attendance at this parade.'

11l connection with Iho visit of the Governor, the escort duties arc being successfully carried out by the town troop of the Southland Mounted Rifles under Lieutenant Wilson.

The date of the annual camp for local corps has been altered to from November 22 to 28, instead of from tho 15th to the 22nd, as recently approved of.

what- arc the prospects of anything being done by The Hague- Conference? Wo have tho experience of the last international meeting, promoted by the Czar, who undoubtedly was zealous in the cause of peace. Yet a time which, in tho his-' tory of nations is nothing, passed by, and found his armaments engaged in perhaps tho bloodiest struggle the world lias ever seen. Should not this teach us that Iho chances of any arrival at a real agreement as to the desirability of disarmament are at present remote? Wc have- every reason io believe tJiat tho responsible heads of tho German Government realise that tho scheme is at present but a. chimera. They are ha.rd-headed, capable statesmen. As long as one, Power holds that view, all talk of disarmament is worse than useless.

It is perhaps unnecessary to labour our criticism of the Prime Minister's portentous speech on the memorable July 27. Hut there are two other points in it which arc worthy of notice, as showing how complete is his failure to grasp the responsibilities of his position, and the immenso importance of -maintaining Britain'.? strength.

He observes: "In my judgment wo aro the country above all others upon whom it is incumbent to show a willingness to chock tho pace upon which these groat armaments have been mounting up of late years, with inspect to the navy especially." Again his follower.'! cheered. What arc the facts upon which this judgment is based? If other natjons had more to defend, if their colonial empires wero larger, their carrying trade more important, their mercantile marines of greater tonnage, their oversea supplies of necessaries to absolute life in greater proportion, thcro might be sonietliinsr in it. But the very contrary is the caee. Superiority at sea is essential to tho continued existence of this country, and to no other. Victory would be only less calamitous to Britain in its artificial modern condition than would be defeat. Peace must he maintained at all costs, and it can only bo kept by the existence of a British navy of strength adequate to its duties.

Secondlv. the Prime Minister denied that by omitting to build ships—atul that at a time when one battleship of our fleet was slowly straining herself to pieces on tho rocks at. Lundy Island—he was weakening the navy. He cast ridicule on the "old idea" that "by piling one strength on another strength you get a greater result.'.' He made some trifling illustration by alluding to tho ease of a man- who ate a second dinner. This scorns to us to have been an insult to the sense of iho House and of the nation. Numbers—other conditions 'being equal—have ever turned the scale in war. and Providence will' over fight on the side of the big battalions. Tito biggest squadrons of the most battlcworthy ships manned by tho most efficient personnel must win the sea fight which settles the fate of Britain for ever.

Wo will not allude to the position of tlio Sea Lords further than to express sincere regret- at the extraordinary way in which their names and authority havo been used. Till wo know Mid exact terms in which tlio ease was presented for their opinion, wo cannot attach much importance, to their acquiescence. It may have been that, they •wore asked whether the navy ia at present •adequate to withstand the attack of any two Powers—excluding those with whom wo are at present on good terms!

Our duty as a Navy Loaguo is plain. In season aitd out. of season we must urge npon the people the principles which wo havo so long endeavoured to inculcate. Everyone in the country must know that the eea brings him his daily bread, and that it is no mero sentiment that makes him sing "Britannia rules tho ,wavcs." Our navy is as vital to us as the air wo breathe! The good sense.of tho nation will eventually assort itself and force tho Government to do its dnty. We may bo sure, however, that what has parsed in Parliament during .Tuly, 1906, will bo a costly business enough for the taxpayer. God grant that tho extra expenditure entailed by these foolish words will come in time to save our homes from invasion.