OUR DEFENDERS

Observer, Volume XXVII, Issue 36, 25 May 1907, Page 11

OUR DEFENDERS

By Lee-Enfield

THE criticism of the Easter manoeuvres that recently found its way from the Defence Office states that there was an entire absence of sickness in the encampment. Strange how authorities differ ! The doctors present reported quite a'large number of cases, and in the final stages of the mounted camp a medico had to contend with a regular epidemic. Now, what particular personage can hare forgotten to forward on that doctor's report ? Volunteers will be sorry to hear that the popular secretary of the Range committee. Captain Dormer, is confined to his bed with a severe illness. This veteran officer is an enthusiastic worker in shooting matters, and takes great interest in the volunteer movement generally. It is to be hoped that he will soon be in secretarial harness again. Captain Archibald lectured the Officers' Club on his pet subject last Friday evening, and put in a strong word for the handy naval man. His idea is that there should be a volunteer force of five hundred or so mon. with a love for the sea. who would bo available in time of necessity as naval reserve. Dr. Carolan, in his quest for information, has stumbled upon the interesting fact that though the Defence authorities were aware that the principal medical officer would be absent from the Easter manoeuvres they did not know it "officially." Here is news indeed ! On the same principle, should the Defence Office be burnt down, somebody will have to " officially " notify the officials of Rutland-street before they will believe the evidence of their own p-es. The doc\iment sent to the worthy medico wanders on to say that, only knowing "unofficially" that Or. Carolan would be senior officer at the manoeuvres, they could not appoint him acting P.M.0., and he therefore had no place at the saluting base. Now we may take it for granted that when the absence of a eomuanv commander has not been " officially " reported to the wideawake authorities at the Defence Office, the lieutenant in charge must direct operations from his post in rear of the company. Considerable interest is being manifested in the military sports, to be held at Hamilton to-morrow (Emf pire Day). The Nos. 8 and 9 Companies of Garrison Artillery will be strongly represented, and altogether there should be quite a large gathering of military men at the tournament. The "Winter Show Association have made a lofty addition to the Artillery shed, which rivals in size the 7 main drill hall. Here is an opportunity for the volunteers : why not endeavour to have the structure left up permanently ? It would almost double the covered drilling area, and would in many ways be a valuable possession for military purposes. Besides, it would be advantageous to the agricultural committee should the next Winter Show be held in the same building. The Defence Council's audacity in transferring capitation and eauipment matters from individual corps to the regimental or battalion staff is likely to be viewed with severe dissatisfaction by one or two officers who are pleased to act as company commanders. Nevertheless, it is a decided step in the right direction. It is reported that recruits are as • scarce as summer days down South, and companies are suffering severely. Perhaps the National League could suggest the remedy. No slumps when compulsory service comes in. A correspondent wishes to know . when the infantry battalion are to ■ compete for the Buchanan Cup again. It appears that the competition is long overdue. Are ths authorities doing anything in th« matter ?

The DrißColls, who had such a. successful run here under the Fuller banner, join Harry Rickards' forces shortly.

" Brewster's Millions/ the new piece which Mr J. O. Williamson has secured for Australia, contains a most elaborate yacht scene, which indeed has been hailed as one of its outstanding features. It is much more effective than th« one in " On the Quiet."

• • • The " San Francisco Examiner," February 3rd, devotes a page to an interview of Miss Maud Beatty. The vivacious Maud, it appears, has a preference for playing the part of Paul Jones. She further explains that she was born on the 4th July, and that on the anniversary of that date her father began to buuvi tk« Theatre Royal, Chnstchurch. • • »

J. 0. Williamson's new musical comedy company promiies to be strong in both the departments which make up its title. Besides Miss Amy Murphy, Miss Maud Thorn and Mr Reginald Kenneth on the musical side, it will have the services of Miss Cecilia Gilhoni, whose splendid voice will be a decided benefit. She will also be extremely valuable in the comedy section, for which in addition there will be Miss Daisy AVallace, and three leading comedians, Mestra Gouriot, Clifton and Parker.