Volunteers. ADJUTANT'S REPORT.

Otago Witness, Issue 1341, 11 August 1877, Page 17

Volunteers. ADJUTANT'S REPORT.

The following is the Acting-Adjutant's re port for the month of July : —

Dunedin, August l3t, 1877. To Major Stavely, commanding Dunedin District.

Sir — I have the honour to report that during my cenure of office I inspected the following Companies on the dates as given : — July 4th.— High School Cadets. In the Artillery there were present: The captain, 1 lieutenant, 1 sub-lieutenant, 4 sergeants, and 32 cadets. The arms and accoutrements were in as good order as they could be got, and the boys want through their drill satisfactorily. In the Rifles there were : The captain, 1 lieutenant, 1 sergeant, and 31 cadets. My remarks on th 9 Artillery Cadets apply equally in this case.

July 4th.— North Dunedin Rifles. Present : The captain, 3 sergeants, and 22 volunteers ; also, 5 recruits — out of a total strength of about 45. Rifles and accoutrements were all in good order, and a fair degree of proficiency was showu in the manual and firing exercise, and inspection drill. July 6th. — Port Chalmers Naval Brigade. Present : The captain, 1 lieutenant, 1 sublieutenant, 7 petty officers, and 30 men, out of a total strength of about • 80. Accoutrements and arms (with two exceptions, which were slightly rusty) were in good order. The men are generally well up in the manual, through which they were put by the lieutenant, and simple company movements. July 9th. — No. 1 Company, City Guards. Present : 1 sub lieutenant, 5 sergeants, and 41 men. Arms and accoutrements were all in fair order, with the exception of two rifles (Nos. 1678 and 66), which wer6 rusty, and not very well cared for. The company went through the manual and inspection drill; and afterwards, under Sergeant Harrison, company drill, marching, and wheeling, which was satisfactorily performed. July 9th.— No. 1 Company C.G., Cadets. Present : The captain, 1 lieutenant, 1 sublieutenant, 4 sergeants, and 25 cadets. With regard to the carbines with which this corps is aimed, I have nothing to add to the opinion expressed in my last year's report, viz., that it was a perfect "farce inspecting tuem, as they were worn out, and it was impossible to get them into a decent condition. The cadets are in a fair state of efficiency, July 12th. — Wakari ßangers. Present: The captain, 1 lieutenant, 2 sergeants, one bugler, and 21 volunteers. The arms and accoutrements, with the exception of rifle No. 785, ■which was a little rusty, were in good order. The total strength of the company was 44. This company has improved markedly in general efficiency, which is, I believe, mainly owing to the interest taksn in it by the commanding officer.

July 13th. — South District Rangers. Present : 1 sergeant, 15 volunteers, and 13 bandsmen, out of a total strength of 60. The arms and accoutrements, with the exception of one rifle a little rusty, were in fair order. I regret beicg unable to report any improvement in this company since my last inspection, but rather the reverse, both in attendance and otherwise. Neitherofficers nor members, except two or three of the latter, appear to take any interest in the corps, so its state of torpor can scarcely be wondered at. As will be Been, there was no officer present. I had to report the same fact last year. July 17th. — Normal School Cadets. Present : The captain, 1 lieutenant, 4 sergeants, and 58 cadets. Arms were in very goud order, and the boya, under the care of Sergt. Major Stevens, Trent through inspection, manual, marching, and company drill in a, manner aliice creditable to themselves and their instructor. Their proficiency would put some of our older corps in the shade. July 2<Jfch.— District School Cadets. Pre sent : The captain, 1 lieutenant, 2 seigeants,

and 40 cadets. The carbines, with one or two exceptions, were in as good order as they can be got. The boys went through some simple company movements steadily, and with credit to themselves, under Sergeant-Major Stevens. July 20th. — Dunedin Naval Brigade. Present: The captain, 1 lieutenant, 1 sub-lieu-tenant, 5 petty officers, and 33 gunners. The arms were, without exception, the cleanest and best kept, as a whole, that have come under my notice. The Brigade continues to improve in every respect under the care and attention of its officers.

July 25th.— Dunedin Naval Cadets. Present : The captain, 1 lieutenant, 3 petty officers, and 40 cadets. The arms and accoutrements were in fair order, with one or two exception*. This corps is not yet fully equipped ; when it is, and the boys have had a little more training, I expect to see it take a f rent place among the various cadet corps. Its officers are to be complimented on the interest they take in the success of their company. I have to thank officers of companies and staff -sergeants for their courtesy and assistance during my term of service. — I hare, &c,

William Lambert, Acting Adjutant, Second Lieutenant, Dunedin Artillery.