OUR DEFENDER

Observer, Volume XXVII, Issue 37, 1 June 1907, Page 11

OUR DEFENDER

By Lee-Enfield.

THERE is some uncertainty aS to the identity of Major Inson, ■who, as the cable informs us, has been selected in England by the Premier to wear the brand-hew mantle of the Adjutant-General. The question, "Who is Inson P"has" caused almost as much discussion in military circles as a similar one concerning a certain parliamentary personage did in the political arena some little time ago. The probability is that our new AdjutantGeneral is the same Major Inson who performed valorous deeds in South Africa during the late war. The gallant officer will, however, soon be here to settle the matter .or himself. His appointment completes the constitution of the Defence Council. Lieutenant R. Cox is handling the reins of the Victoria Rifles just now, and " the colony's oldest corps " is being gradually worked ut) to a more satisfactory position. The probability is that when the. captaincy has been formally Gazetted vacant. Lieutenant Cox will obtain his well-earn-ed promotion. He has had wide experience in volunteer matters and should make an excellent commander. If one may take as an indication the fact that the Council of Defence have cabled to London for a large supply of ; British drill books, it seems that we shall be reverting in the near future to the British system of drill. Decidedly a step in the right direction. One .James Maylqr divested himself of his garments in England the other day, and slid into the delightful depths of the Liverpool Canal. James': enjoyed his swim immensely — so much so, in fact, that it was; a shock to his fetelings when, on issmnp: forth, he found that his clothes had taken flight, and in place w<is the * uniform of a private in the Fusiliers. James dressed in haste, , and told his tale to a policenian. Now, the intelligence of these protectors of societv is proverbial, and this particular bobby was true -to his type. -In a trice was James handcuffed and charged with the awful offence of beine wrongfully in possession of His Majesty's uniform. ~ In the morning, however, the matter was satisfactorily explained. The uniform belonged to a deserter, who, by this time, was miles away in James's Sunday best. Maylor took his meed of sympathy from the magistrate, and went forth into the world to muse as to the possible consequences if he had faced the policeman without the uniform. The Garrison wrestling and boxing contests, which will be started at an early date, appear to be creating considerable interest in. volun- • teer circles. From all accounts, some very capable exponents of t..e. manly arts are enrolled in force, and some very exciting contests should ensue. Let us hope that this is but the prelude to the accomplish^ ment of the long-cherished plan of establishing a nermanent sjynv, nasium at the Drill Hall. The volunteers at Hamilton are to. be congratulated upon the success $■ of their military tournament, held on Empire Day. Despite the inclement weather, the attendanc(a / was •£> very satisfactory, and included a £ large number of Aucklanders^ The 3y mounted events were splendidly, con- I tested, and in the rifle Work the- Col- |; lege Rifles moyed like clockwork, jit ■* is to be regretted that cadet events -V were not included. .It is f air£ to neither men nor boys -to ask; theni to -il compete against, each other." ► 7 ? If the rumoured change of drill -; means a Teversion^toth©: : • formation, it will hot bei an unalloy- V ed blessing to volunteer :.-y ctoimiialMes at the present -low' ;ebb, : of matters. ; With the , : rijoori: prevailing, it is hard enough tontake a presentable face in sins©S^nk, v ana with the double formation th« ' task will sieemhofeleu. '::^?%" : '■: ,';;.

There lias arisen throughout JJew Zealand a mild agitation in connection with the milk supply, and the remedy is generally admitted to lie in the municipalisation of the whole of the milk trade.—Petone Chronicle. • • .•

. If farmers are to receive the consideration they are entitled to, they must fight strongly for their own hand, and they must organise before they can fight effectively.—Carterton News.

• • • The present state of matters in respect to mail services is anything but satisfactory, and the New Zealand Premier was justified in hinting at the Colonial Conference that the colony could not be expected to wait indefinitely for something to turn up. — Dunedin Star. • • •

Years ago it was said that if the local industries were only given as•istance in their youth they would aoon be able to run alone, but the older they get the more they want. — Haweia Star.