Colonel Pole Penton's Visit.

Thames Star, Volume XXIX, Issue 8608, 12 March 1897, Page 3

Colonel Pole Penton's Visit.

The Thames Navals mustered thirty five rank and file for inspection by Colonel Pole Penton, Commandant of the New Zealand forces, last evening. The attendance was considered very fair seeing that several postponements had interfered with the men's arrangements, and that many "on shift" were unable to be present. The Colonel, in company with Colonel Goring and Adjutant Grant, arrived soon after 7.30, and was received with the general salute. He closely inspected the* ranks and afterwards had the company put through the usual formations and the manual and firing exercise, but' he made no close test of tire Navals' capabilities. In conversation with Lieutenant Commander Potts he expressed him» self pleased with the appearance of the men, but stated his disinclination to the continued services of corps which were naval artillery volunteers only in name. He has pointed out in other places beside the Thames that outside the four centres the men have no chance of- learning big gun drill, and that it would be more reasonable as well as more efficacious if the ten naval and naval artillery corps in the smaller towns were all turned into iufantry and drilled with their respective battalions. Lieutenant-Comman-der Potts expected this matter to be brought up, and he of course being well acquainted with the feelings of the men thereou was enabled to say unhesitatingly that if the course as stated was pursued it would practically extinguish active volunteering here. This, wo take it, is not desired, but it is palpable that if the order is given the Thames cannot expect to bo singled out for special consideration.