THE VOLUNTEERS.

Colonist, Volume XLIX, Issue 12020, 22 August 1907, Page 2

THE VOLUNTEERS.

The monthly inspection, parade took place last evening, when all corps were well represented, except the Nelson Rifles, many being absent through sickness. Lieut. -Colonel Harkness was in command. After inspection the men were taken to Trafalgar Park, and exercised in various work by Colonel Harkness' and Captain Stiles. Returning to the Drill Shed, Colonel Harkuess took the opportunity of presenting to the Waitnea Bides the shield which they had won ifl matches against the other edrps and N.D.R: : Club. He\, congratulated them on their success, and hoped they would not rest on their laurels, because next year it was hoped to have a District Challenge Shield, when the competition would be very keen. He observed with pleasure tha the recipient corps had topped the volley firing list for the whole Colony, a record to be proud of. Hearty cheers were given. Reference was made to the coming tournament on the 9th November, and it was hoped that every corps would send at least two teams into the field in each of the various competitions. A meeting of officers will be held on Saturday evening next, when 1 each officer commanding corps' is to report progress, Colonel Joyce is at present on the West Coast, and will . .return td Nelson on Saturday. He will inspect the Wriimea Rifles at Spring Grove on the' following Monday, and the Stoke Rifles in Nelson on Saturday week. We learn that Sergti J. W. Ching, of the Waimea Rifles, has been asked by Colonel Collins ;to make one of the New Zealand Rifle Team for Australia, but be has regretted his inability to go. We are informed that each man is to be allowed a sum of £10 towards bis expenses, such to include entrance feo and a new. uniform. If such i? the case it is little wonder that f there" are refusals'. The grant Should bd.sufficient to- enable- the best men of the' Colony to be included in the teani.