OUR VOLUNTEERS.

Thames Advertiser, Volume XI, Issue 3126, 26 September 1878, Page 3

OUR VOLUNTEERS.

MONTHLY INSPECTION.

Nos 1 and 2 Scottish.—The Academy of Music was filled to overflowing last night on the occasion of the monthly inspection of the Nos, 1 and 2 Thames Scottish by Major Murray. The number of men present were—No. 1 Company: Noncommissioned officers, officers, men, and band-total, 112. No, 2 Company: Eank and file, non-commissioned officers, officers and men, 70~grand total, 182. The No. 1 Company wore the new helmets for the first time, and looked remarkably well in them. There were a large number of the No. 2 Company who were not able to fall in for want of riflea, the Defence Office not having any more on hand until the arrival of a supply from England, which is daily expected. The roll was called, after which the men were put through the manual and firing exercises, and acquitted themselves so well (the No. 1 Company especially) that they were greeted with loud cheers by the spectators, The major commanding called the officers to the front, and expressed himself highly satisfied at the muster, at the manner in which the drill had been performed, and tlio cleanliness of the arms ond accoutrements, A selection, "Close the Shutters," was then rendered by the splendid brass band of the No. 1 Company, wider tlio conductorship of .Bandmaster Hmler; after which

Major Murray called Volunteer Lucas (No. 1 Scottish) to the front, and said that, owing to family bevosvement, Mrs W. Fraser, who was to have made tho presentation cf prizes, was not nblo to attend, and Mrs Murray would fill the vacancy. He (Major Murray) complimented Volunteer Lucas as a good soldier and marksman, and hopod that in future he would succeed in carrying off a fair flharo of prizes, (Cheers) Mrs Major Murray then stopped up to Volunteer Lucas, aud invested him with the District Belt, which, he was successful in carrying off at the last quarterly competition. Immediately after the belt was placed on Volunteer Lucas's shoulders, the band struck up " See the Conquering Hero comes," and the spectators cheered. Sergeant Heron, Vols, Forgic, G Price, and McKee wero also presented with the money prizes won by them. A sword and belt were also presented to Drum-major McLean, the gift of an honorary member. After another choice selection by the band, the Hon. Surgeon of No 1 Company (his worship tho Mayor) camo forward, and said that Major Murray, thinking that tho Volunteers present might like to hear what they wero thought of at head-quarters, had requested him to tell them what ho had seen and heard at Wellington. Well.it had been his good fortune to liave had several conversations with Sir George Grey and the Native and Defence Minister, on tho subject of tho Thames Voluuteera. On those occasions ho (tho speaker) urged upon the Government tho necessity that existed for a large central drill-shed, a parade ground, and other matters of importance, The Government expressed themselves exceedingly pleased with the way in which the Volunteer movement was progressing at the Thames (cheers), and were quite aware of the requirements of the Thames volunteers, and would be quite willing to assist them in all that was wanted to make them good soldiers. At the same time, owiug to the present state of their funds, they were not in a position to mako that provision for the Volunteers of the Thames that they would like to, The Hon. the Native and Defence Minister spoke, in adniiriug terms of the Thames Volunteers—(cheers.) ~ and he (the speaker) thought if Mr Sheehan were present now his admiration would be increased. (Cheers.) Ho (tho speaker) was exceedingly pleased to see the splendid muster present, as were no doubt the large number of ladies and gentlemen present; He congratulated both companies on the acquisition of strength during his absence in Wellington, and also on that which had secured for them the proud position of being one of the finest companies in the colony. (Cheers.) He concluded by expressing a hope that when their services were needed they would not be found wanting, (Loud cheers.) The companies were then put into marching order and filed out of the hall, headed by the brass band, preceded by torchlight. The procession marched through Brown-street, and re. turned and went as far as" Mary-street, the band playing the whilo. The companies were then marched back to their drill-shed and dismissed.

The monthly inspection of the Bifle Eangers will be made by Major Murray this evening. We are glad to learn that this fine veteran company, which lately suffered losses in membership through unfortunate causes, is again coming to the front under the energetic command of Captain Farrell, •*