THE VOLUNTEERS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5960, 27 August 1897, Page 4

THE VOLUNTEERS.

There was a wood muster of theßangiora Eifles on Wednesday evening, when the company was inspected by Colonel Francis. Major Day and Staff-Major Purvis were also present. After the inspection the men were put through company drill by Lieutenant d'Auvergne, and squad drill by the Sergeants. Colonel Francis then addressed the company, expressing his great pleasure at the good muster, which was in decided contrast to what he found on his last visit. Considering that more than half the company were recruits who had joined since the beginning of the year, the drill was in merit far beyond his expectations. The efficiency of the men proved that they had been attentive to their duties, and it also reflected credit on their instructors. If they continued to improve in the same, manner, they would soon be equal in efficiency to any of the city corps. The Colonel afterwards expressed his satisfaction to Captain Helmore, Lieutenant d'Auvorgne and the sergeants, and hoped that the officers would divide the company into four sections, each to be placed in charge of a sergeant. This would create a healthy rivalry in drill which would be found extremely beneficial. Captain Helmore promised that this should be done.

Lieutenant-Colonel Gordon, the officer commanding the Canterbury District, with Lieutenant-Colonel Francis. V.D., commander of the Canterbury Battalion, and Mai or Slater, V.D., visited Oxford yesterday, and had an interview with Messrs R. H. Parish and White, representing the promoters 'of the proposed rifle company. Colonel Gordon will forward a report on the subject to Wellington, and promised to send the promoters a copy of ithe volunteer regulations for the information of intending membei's of the company. Sixty-eight persons have put down their names as being billing to join the corps, which will, if formed, be granted capitation for the present year on all members who go through the course of instruction prescribed for "tfec'ruits. There are in the district a large number of young men of just the right stamp to make good volunteers, and there is reason to hope that a strong corps will be formed.