VOLUNTEER NOTES.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13893, 3 May 1907, Page 3

VOLUNTEER NOTES.

3y Skntbi.

The next parade of No. 1 Battalion will bo held on Monday, 27th inst.

The appointment of James E. Allen to 1)0 acting-lieutenant in the Dunedin Rifles is approved.. The headquarters of the Wallace Mounted Rifles lias been changed from-Nightcaps to Otautau.

A proposal (o hold a military parade in Dunedin on Empire Day has been abandoned.

Sergeant-artificer 11. 'A. Campbell (R.N.Z.A.) has been transferred from-Dun-edin to Wellington.

According to the amended regulations detachments from the. Lyttelion and Dunedin Navals take up electric searchlight work. The Dunedin Navids are allowed 10 men, who aro to be electrician enginedrivers. No difficulty has been {omul in getting the men, altogether 26 men having offered. These men arc attending the Technical Sehsol, and arc Naking a very great interest in the work.

Captain o'Toole, of the Awarua Rifles, has passed his examination, his marks being 62- for company training and 83 for practical; The next quarterly examination of officers will bo held on .Tuno 5. Captain Brcmncr (Cavcrsham Rides) and Lieutenant Pastier (Green Island Rifles) will sit at Dunedin, and Lieutenant White (Wakatipu Mounted Rifles) at Gore.

Tlie District Adjutant (Captain Trask) will supervise tho firing in the Government jirizo medal competition at tho Pcliclict Bay rango t<wmorrow, at 1.30 p.m. Tho Queenstown Rifles and the Wakatipu Mounted Hides will' fire at Queenstown on May 28, the Cromwell Rifles at Cromwell on May 50, and tho Alexandra Rifles possibly next day. •■"'■'..'

In future all recruits of mounted rifles and infantry are to bo .passed hy the adjutant before being allowed to .drill or manoeuvre with their 'unit. A return showing tho number lif any) so passed is to be rendered quarterly to the local Defence Office. Facts in reference to Lieutenant Longworth's service became somewhat distorted last week. By reason of errors, in transcription ho appeared as secretary (Lictitouant M'Lean's office), instead of treasurer • of the Otago Riflo Association, whilst the date of his election to the rank of lieutenant was wrongly stated—ho attained that distinction in 1902. Colonel Smyth will inspect tho Dunedin Navals at'the Central Battery ou Thursday. 23rd inst. .The company proposes to hold { a daylight and night parade at the Otago Heads on Saturday, 25th inst, This will give the electrical squad some practice in searchlight,work. Tho Battalion Committee's financial statement, was submitted at, a meeting held at tho closo of the battalion parade last week. It disclosed the fact that there is still standing to the credit of each corps somo of tho money which was raised by means of the carnival.

Attention is rolled in a district order just issued' lo tho dress regulations, which are to.bo rigidly adhered to. All corp3 in a unit are to bo dressed alike. " Service dress" is laid down in par. 608, Vol. Retaliations. Khaki drill is not suitable for this climate. A khaki sorgo should be adopted rcgimentaliy, all, corps being clothed in the same material. This order is to bo carried out. at onco in elothinir recruits. Tho sanction and approval of the O.C. district is to bo obtained in the case of proposed full-dress uniform.

Tho sccrotary of tho 'Non-commissioned Officers' Club reports that tho measure of support being accorded the flub this year is very encouraging. Tho attendances at the various meetings hato boc-n very ealisfactory. This ovooiug will bo devoted to tho consideration of questions, which may bo submitted through the medium of a question-box. This anonymous method affords to tho bashful non-com. an oppor. tunity to quietly obtain help.upon perplexinp problems, and to Iho dissatisfied ono an occasion for provoking discussion upon his grievances without being known as the agprioved one. • Tho "Wednesday afternoon shooting at Pelichct Bay range lias now comp to an end for a spoil. The season has shown a distinct, advance upon tho preceding, year. Much greater interest, has been taken in the shootinj,' and inoro: mou have attended.'

An instructional class for the district staff is to bo hold in Dunedin shortly. In u circular' received at tho local Defence Gflico it is intimated that classes will be arranged later, for Volunteer officers under amended regulations for schools of instruction shortly to bo published. . Tlid Caversham Cadets are in a flourishing stato just now. There arc 63 on the toll, and the junior corps is in that enviable position which years ago the senior corps occupied—namely, the position of having no vacancies for the numbers of men offering themselves. A Cadot corps is genorally regarded as tho feeder .of tin 1 senior corps, and to a certain extent it is: But thoro is another sido to that matter. After a lad has spent a year or two in the Cadets tho novelty of Volunteering has worn off, and ho is les3 keca to hind himself to a senior corps than would be tho caso if he wcro approaching an experience which would be absolutely nciv. However, whilst, some close their connection with Volunteering when thoy leavo the Cadets, thcro are those with an enthusiasm for military training who leok forward with keen pleasure to'the time when they will step out of tho ranks of tho Cadets and become fully fledged Volunteers, and by reason of their early training these lads aro warmly welcomed into tiio higher service. Tho various • infantry corps of the city aro in a fairly low condition just now. Recruiting is a matter of difficulty with most, and old members aro being appealed to with a view to inducing them to rejoin. In these circumstances, therefore, a fulL-strcngth Cadet corps is a cheering spectacle.

No. 2 Battalion O.R.V. this' year wins the cup presented by Colonel Eobin for tho highest scorers in the collective firing for Iho; Otago district. For the winners 326 out of 356 fired, tho general percentage being 62.6, and the total points 2230. Their percent ago of hits to shots fired was 58.7. No. 1 Battalion 0.K.Y., who won in 1903 and 1904, comes second, with a general percentage of 56.2. No. 4 Battalion O.R.V. (winners in 1906) obtained a percentage of 53.6; No. 3 Battalion, 44.3; First Regiment Mounted Rifles, 40.9; Second Regiment Mounted Rifles, 30.1. In all. 1329 men fired this year.

The Duncdin Navals, besides having their pinnace equipped with a 6 bqrse-power Seal engine, liavo also had tho boat decked in and an awning erected. This has made the boat look very smart. A good season is looked forward to by the men, and as motor boats are becomin;* so popular, no doubt the Navals will have a lot of plca-t 6iirc from theirs. Mr M'Pherson super, vised tho boat alterations, and Mr M'Culloch installed' the engine. From an order issued in connection with No. -1* Battalion O.R.V.:—" All recruits, including those men who joined too late last year to enablo them to become officiant, will parade at tho Garrison Hall on Friday, 3rd May, at 8 p.m., and every Friday night thereafter. O.C. A Company will detail two sergeants to give instruction during tho month of-May, and the Bat-

(allien sergeant-major will supervise. The benefits accruing to A Company through their recruits being efficiently trained will be very apparent to all O.C. corps; it is therefore hoped that they will take a personal interest in 6eeing, that their recruits parade regularly for the course, and until they have been passed by the battalion adjutant, Buglers will parade at Ihe Garrison Hall each Tuesday night, at 8 o'clock, for instruction by the sergeantbugler. Some of'the' buglers are not as efficient as could be desired, and they should not fail tn avail 'themselves of further instructions."

The annual meeting of the Dunedin District Officers' Club was held at the Gar. rjson Hall 0 n Friday, 26th April. The president (Lieutenant-colonel Smith, 0.D.) occupied the chair, and (here were 40 officers present. The report, which dealt with a successful year both socially and instructively, and the balance sheet, which showed a slightly .reduced balance- compared with last year, were read and. adopted. The. following office-bearers were elected for the ensuing year:—President, Lieutenant-colonel E. v R. Smith, O.D. (reelected) ; vice-president, Lieutenant-colonel A Stoneham : lion, secretary and treasurer, Lieutenant 11. Barron (re-elected); lion, auditor, Captain and Adjutant J. N. Barclay, executive—Captain C. Morris, Lieutenant Doull. Lieutenant ITcrdman, Chap-lain-captain Nisbet, Captain M'Ara, Sur-geon-major Evans, Captain M'CuUough. It was decided to open the present season with a smoke concert on Friday, 17th May. The club will place a wreath on the Fulton Soldiers' Memorial on Empire Day (2Wi May). Durinir the evening a discussion took place with regard to a reduction in tram fares to Volunteers attending parades, and it was unanimously agreed to make an effort to obtain a concession from the City Council in this direction, as it was considered that it was only a fair thing that thoso who «ivc'.their time and services towards.making themselves vfficicnf to defend the country should be assisted to do 60 by those whose lives and property are at stake.

The audior of "New Zealanders in the Boer War" has •recently received flie following letter from Lord-Roberts: "Enslemere, Ascot, Berks, February 19, 1907. Dear .-> Madam,—Please accept my best thanks for the copy of you'' book which you have kindly sent, me. I am glad to know that the, ijreat services that the New Zeolanders rendered to the 'Motherland in South Africa have been worthily commemorated by a countrywoman of their own.—Believe mo, yours very truly, Roberts, F.M."

The Dunedin Highland Rifles were well treated bv the Clutlm, Rifles on the occasion of the visit- to Balclutha last Saturday. The weather, however, was very cold and )!>e conditions disagreeable. There wa* not time for .all the men to shoot at both ranges. The local men won the match, the scores boinc:— Clutha Hides.

HOW I TRAIN FOR A RIFLE MEET-

ING. 'Lieutenant Irvine writes as follows •— Brightwater, March 27, 1907.-To 'Sentry.'—Dear Sir,—With reference to your request that I should forward you a few notes" bearing on my methods of getting into 'shooting form,' the whole might be summed up-by. saying, 'Bo moderate in all things.' Positive training or dieting is not good, as it tends to centre one's thoughts too much on the object to bo attained, thereby. causing mental worry. Although some rifle practice is necessary, excessive practice must be avoided, as 'it dulls one's keenness when the big score is wanted.' With regard to food, extreme moderation should'be followed. Up to the I have not been able to find anv alcoholic drink that is beneficial to ' form"' in rifle shooting, the reverse 'seeming to bo tho caso with all of them. Sovcre physical exercise .should bo avoided for n few' days before shootinjr. But when the work 'is light best results are often attained by continuing to work right up to the day of competition. ' These are the only rules I have followed in my attempts to reach shooting form.'—l am, etc., R .11. Irvine."

SOUTHLAND NOTES. My Southland correspondent writes on the Ist inst. as follows: — Headquarter Corps (A, B, and C Companies), together with the band, 'will parade on or about the 20th of tho present month for battalion manoeuvres. The parade will muster in full dress, and in all probability the Defence Cadets will bo called out for tho evening. The achievement of No. 2 Battalion O.R.V. in winning for tho second time the O.C. District's Challenge Cup is one that will be marked by congratulations from all sides. The win was meritorious and tho majority a substantial one. It is pleasing to note that in the essential qualification of the soldier the battalion has so considerably proved itself superior. Incidentally, in connection with tho district order dealing with the ' matter it is to be noted that the battalion is also'the largest in the district.

Surgeon-captain Young gave his inaugural lecture in connection with the Headquarter Corps Ambulance Class on Thursday last to a small but undobutcdly appreciative assembly. The old gunroom was utilised for the occasion. The scries will consist of eight lectures. Tho first, just given, was shorn of a deal of its full benefits because the charts and guides wore conspicuously not where they ought to be. The lecturer had depended upon the certain presence of these essentials, and foupd himslf inconvenienced and the class handicapped with affairs as thoy turned out. The matter is to bo remedied by an appeal to Dunedin for the ncccs > 511'ios, after which events should progress well, for enthusiasm and zeal am abundant amongst- those who attended. It is necessary, for many reasons, that Volunteers should attend this class in uniform. . Tho appointment of Captain G. E.*Valson to battalion adjutant has been hailed with satisfaction in nil quarters. The now adjutant is a keen Volunteer, and more than all lwars the stamp of upright manhood, besides being popular not only in Volunteer circles but in all walks of life.

Corporal Mitchell, of the Murihikii Mounted Rifle.?, has gained the honour of champion shot of the mounted regiment with a score of 75 plus 55—total, 130. The honour in the infantry battalion goes to Sergeant P. C. Lee, of the Orcti Rifles. His score is not at present- available. Awarua Rifles held their annual meeting on Friday last, wtih a subsequent smoke concert for a finale. Reports all deal with substantial evidences of new life in tho corps, and Captain O'Toole lias much reason to congratulate- himself upon his command.

.Firing for the Government medal will bo commenced on the 15th of May, Grasmero and Gore being the' arranged localities. The-conditions will be the fame as past years. District orders'of 1904 will give full particulars to interested ones.

The mounted regiments are just about

settling: into stride onco more. Inspections and drill parades—alt the. ordinary'and special routine—will bo accomplished .in turn. ' . ■

It is satisfactory to note that, Staff Sergeant-major Grant remains as staff instructor. Efforts iwero made and inducements held cut for a change in districts, but the S.S.-M. decided upon stayin? south. The decision was received with expressions of pleasure, for there is perha|K no more popular men in the Southland forces than the staff sergeantmajors.

The question as to which is the premier corps in the battalion has cropped up, and your correspondent has boon bombarded wi'.h queries on the subject. I would rather not. There is no meihod or process that would give me a chance of awarding; the merit. I passed the question on, and have found among wellqualified judges quite a unanimity of opinion. J Company, Colac Bay Rifles, seems the most- favoured for all-round efficiency, and so may fairly lay claim to the honour. However, there I leave it.

ouu yds. yds. Tl. Private Davidson .. .. ., 33 31 — 61 Lioutenant Sinclair 31 32 — G3 Private Sanderson .. ,. .. 29 33 — 62 Private P. Mitchell 20 32 — (J Captain MitehoU ... 28 32 — GO Sergeant M:Namara .. .. 32 26 — 68 Corporal Clark 29 28 — 57 Corporal Charters 24 29 — 63 Corporal M'Kcdmie .. ,.27 27 Private Muff 27 27 Totals .. ..•' .. .. .. 233 213 532 - : Duncdin Highland Hiflos. Private W. llackny .... 31 33 — 6J Private Wilson 26 33 — 59 Lieutenant M'Donald' .... 30 29 — 59 Sergeant Burt 32 27 — 59 Captain Dempster ... ., .. '27 31 — 68 Private Knox 2S 27 — 65 Sergeant Melville 31 22 — 53 Corporal Eisjby .....'., .. no 22 — 52 Private P. Mackay .. .... 30 1,-30 Private. M'Kinky .; ,, ., 27 27 Totals .. .. 2D2 221 51G