THE VOLUNTEERS.

Colonist, Volume XLVII, Issue 11288, 23 March 1905, Page 2

THE VOLUNTEERS.

The monthly inspection parade took place last evening, under the command of Major Harkness. The early train prevented many men coming in from the country, .but the city and cadet corps Clustering weli were either amalgamated or divided, and a respectable battalion was formed of five companies. Marching ito Trafalgar Park, drill was gone through under the officer commanding and Captain Bryant^ the men subsequently marching to town for dismissal. The Garrison Band were absent, owing to other engagements, and the march to and from the drill ground was somewhat dreary. Prior to moving off from the Government Buildings reserve, Major Harkness presented to Chaplain J. H. MacKenzie, of the Nelson Rifles, a twelve years' long-service medal. He complimented the recipient on attaining the decoration- and also the District, as it was hot only the first received by a chaplain in Nelson, but he believed in the Colony, the regulations having only just been gazetted whereby honorary officers were enabled to claim the decoration. He paid a compliment to Chaplain MacKenzie for the zeal displayed by him in his office, and trusted he would long be spared to wear the medal. Three very hearty cheers were accorded the recipient, and the Nelson Rifles gave an additional three'"" for their much respected Chaplain. It is worthy of note that the Nelson Rifles have earned distinction in the matter of medals, no less than IT members of the Corps, having at varibus times received the decoration; This Corps had. the privilege of receiving the first medal presented in Nelson, the recipient being Mr Thos. Fathers.