THE AUSTRALIAN OFFICERS.

Timaru Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 3258, 6 March 1885, Page 2

THE AUSTRALIAN OFFICERS.

The following brief particulars of the two principal officers m command of : tho'New South Wale'i contingent are taken from the Sydney Morning Herald -. — Colonel Richardson, the commandant, who will command the expedition, has had the satisfaction of seeing important, changes towards; the thorough efficiency 'of our troops since he took command m 1865. He joined the Imperial army m! 1854, having entered it by passing a direct examination at Sandhurst. He served with; the 72nd. Highlanders at the, siege of Sebaatopol. In New Zealand, with the 12th Regiment, he went through the .Maori wara of 1860-61, and. 1863-64, during wjiich. period he was adjutant of the regiment. He has . Crimean, New Zealand; and,, Turkish' medals.; In February, 1865, he was apppintetl.to the; command lof the New Sputft WaleV'fprceaj In August, 1871, a regular force vras formed, consisting of a battery of artUlery and £wo companies of infantry,, and. since" that tinja the -infantry has been disbanded, and /two more batteries. \ substituted. > A most important, change took place m the Volunteer sorjico, m.. 1878- by . assimilating, the .Volunteers to what may be called a Volunteer Militia, By means 6f this ohange of system increased discipline has been obtained, and the adoptipnxof continuous' training has brought the men to the state of efficiency which their commandant believes justifieshim m recomr mending them as reliable" troops, and m setting) himself confidently at their head; Colonel . Roberts, 'who will command the artillery; has also a service record, including | the war m the Orirdea. I