OUR DEFENDERS

Observer, Volume XXVII, Issue 40, 22 June 1907, Page 11

OUR DEFENDERS

By Lbe-EnfibiiD.

THE majority of the British: marksmen who will invade Axistralia in October next are prob-. ably unknown to New Zealanders, but an enthusiast weir, informed about shooting matters in England declares that Australians will find . the representatives of the Motherland pretty warm customers on the rifle range. The selection of the British team brings home to us the fact that our own authorities have not yet announced by what method the New Zealand representatives are to be chosen. There have been nrr important matches fired in the colony since the Trentham gathering, and on whatever plan the men are selected , there will be great difficulty in obtaining a thoroughly representative team. _

Captain Bosworth, who has been selected to filliii Auckland the post of Intelligence Officer, is not likely to forsake his beloved corps for a month or two. The "A" Battery has a very interesting function coming off shortly, in the shape of a jubilee — the first military celebration of the kind held in New Zealand — and Captain Bosworth will probably retain command until this event is disposed of

There are not many non-coms, in this district who are so deservedly pop^llar as Sergeant-Major Morton, who was unanimously elected as a subaltern of. the "A" Battery last week. Morton is an energetic worker, well versed in all matters connected with his branch of the service. His experience, however, is not confined to field artillery work. He earned his bit of ribbon in South Africa, chasing the nimble de Wet, and thus trained, a practical military training that should stand him in good stead in his new sphere.

Colonel Davies made a practical inspection of the Infantry last week, the, men being exercised in skirmishing work. The musters in some instances were not all that could be desired, but perhaps this is accounted for by the shortness of the notice. - After the inspection the Colonel was entertained^ by the officers at a musical evening in the club-room.

The Artillery companies, Engineers and Bearer Corps, _ which were inspected by the AdjutantGeneral last Thursday evening, made a capital^show. Interest in. the artillery section seems to be par-' ticularly keen at present.

A class of instruction was started at the Drill Hall on Monday evening, and officers and non-coms, will be given a practical course in military subjects. Similar classet; are to be held in all the centres of the colony, and a uniform system of drill should result.

The volunteers are making preparations for their annual football tournament, but the efforts of the promoters seem to be meeting ■with but scant support. It is to be regretted that companies do not devote more attention, to this event, which cannot fail to have a beneficial effect upon the force.

The No. 2 Natives, like Japhet, are searching for a father. The captaincy has been vacant 'ever since . the promotion of Captain -fiartlett to the battalion staff many months ago, but, apparently, no candidate has yet come along with the necessary, qualifications. Lieutenant Richard- . son/as senior officer, is at present in command, but he has intimated that ; he has no present desire' for the high- '- er rank. ■"-!"■ -■'..'. . -./" -