VOLUNTEERS.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 13483, 24 July 1907, Page 7

VOLUNTEERS.

(By "Scout"). Presentations were the order of the day in volunteer circles yesterday. At i a meeting of volunteer officers at the White Hart Hotel, Lieut-Colonel Okey presented -Colonel Ellis, V.D. (retired), Uvith a gold watch and chain on behalf of the officers of the Taranaki Battalion in recognition of his services to volunteering in Taranaki.

At the Battalion parade last night Ad]t. Weston presented Capt. Quartermaster Cock,V.D. (retired) with a silver cruet in recognition of the work done by him at the recent camp. On the call of th 6 Adjutant three cheers were given for the recipient, who briefly replied thanking donors. Private A. Marett (Taranaki Rifles) was presented with the gold medal for the highest aggregate made at the recent meeting of the Taranaki Rifle Association. After the parade members ol the Rifles were presented with tho trophies won by them during the past shooting season, the recipients being Corporals Armitage and Bruce, Privates, A. Marett, T. Marett,- Davies, H. Ward, W. Ward, Whitmore, and others. Marksmen's badges were distributed. I'he service stars will be presented when they arrive.

The work done last night was the formation and posting of an outpost line from the sea to the cemetery gates at the Henui under cover of scouts. The manoeuvre was very well carried out.

The Rifles met in their orderly-room after parade. Two members were elected. It was decided to remove the colcurs of the company to a strong-room for safe keeping.

On the motion of Private Bacon it was decided that the company should attend' to the soldiers' graves in the qem^tery,. during the summer montjhs and *pux ihomnin order. t .-'|

Captain Okey has beeii appointed act-ing-honorary pay and quarter master captain of tlve battalion*

The decision to attend to the soldiers' iraves is Very commendable. ~ In America a holiday is set apart for this purpose, and is known as Decoration Day. It is very sad to see the graves of those who laid down their lives to make the country &t to live in, neglected and forgotten.

There will be a church parade of the Rifles, Guards, and Band on Sunday next at the Whiteley Memorial Church. The uniform will be full dress with helmets, side-arms, and white gloves. Fallin at the Drill Hall at 10.30 a.m. The committee in charge of the business of the military concert on August Ist has matters well in hand, and is working enthusiastically. The various military items are, I am assured, being assiduously practised.

A* rifle match between the Taranaki Rifles and the Mangorei Rifle Club will be held, at Mangorei to-morrow. The team will leave the Imperial Hotel corner at 12.30 p.m. It will consist of Captain Bellringer, Lieut. Lever, Corporals Armitage and Bruce, Privates A. Marett, Bacon, Banks, and Okey, and Private Buchanan (emergency).