THE VOLUNTEERS.

Colonist, Volume XXVIII, Issue 4174, 25 June 1885, Page 3

THE VOLUNTEERS.

IThe monthly inspection of the Volunteers > took place last night, when there was a large; muster. The numbers present were—Navals 54; H Battery, 61; City Rifles, 55; Stoke Kifles, 45 ; Waimea Rifles, 34; College Cadets 33; Staff,..3; Band, 18; Grand total, 303. It, is worth noticing that of 62 members anrolled in the H Battery, no less than 61 were present. Prior to dismissing the men from parade, Lieutenant-Colonel Pitt mentioned that there would be ambulance drill and lectures in Shelbourne-street Schoolroom, by Honorary Surgeon Coleman, commencing onj Wednesday evening next, which would be open to civilians as well as Volunteers. He also announced, with regret, the resignation ofjSergeant Major Alborough. In recognition of | his services, which had extended over twenty-five years, the Defence Minister had_ allowed Sergeant Major Alborough six months leave of absence on full pay prior to his retirement. Sergeant-Major.Alborough had always performed his dutiesin a mosiefficient and exemplary manner;. ..H^cpuld 'testify to the zeal and ability of that officer during the twenty years that he (Lieut-Colonel Pitt) had been connected with, the Volunteers. The present efficiency of the College Cadets amply testified to the faithful manner in which Sergeant-Major Alborough performed his duties. He hoped that the Volunteers would not allew that officer to retire without showing some substantial recognition of his valuable services.—Sergeant-Major Alborough thanked the Commanding Officer for the gratifying expressions of goodwill towards him. He hoped the Volunteers in the Nelson district would keep up the efficiency for which they were now justly noted.

The Road Round thb Rocks —We learn that the Chairman of the Waimea County Council is sending to \- ellington to-day the formal application for a grant for this work under the Roads and Bridges Construction Act. Special Settlement in the Rai Valley.— A : meeting of those desirous of forming a Special Settlement in the Rai Valley is to be held in town. Football.—At a meeting of the Committee of the Prince Albert Club last evening the final selection of the team to play against Blenheim aitd Wellington was made as follows:—Messrs Askew, Bal), Barnett, Bolton, Bingham, Crisp, Clouston, Glasgow, Guy, Hargreaves, Infield, Low, O'Nail, G. R. Simpson, and Whiting, The same team will play against the Star Club on Saturday afternoon.—A match has been arranged to take place this afternoon in the Botanical Reserve between a team from the tailors and & team picked from those employed at the establishments which close on Thursday afternoons, when some good fun is anticipated.