THE VOLUNTEERS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6048, 9 December 1897, Page 2

THE VOLUNTEERS.

CITY RIFLES. The Christchurch City Rifles went undue canvas yesterday evening for their annual [ company camp, which, as last year, is located on the police paddock, situated at the end of Piper's Lane, Sydenham. The ground, about thirteen acres in. extent, affords ample space for drill, and there is a plentiful supply of water near at hand. Eight bell tents were pitched in two lines, facing northward, for the accommodation of the men, besides a tent for the officers, • store and cook's tents, and a marquee for a mess tent. The camp kitchen was placed some distance from the right flank of the camp. The members of the company mustered in very good force in the. evening, under Captain Fairbairn and Lieutenant Hawdon, and the first parade was held at S p.m. Staff Sergeant-Major Barrett attends the camp as instructor, and the men will be drilled in the mornings and evenings, and will attend to their civilian work iv the daytime. The camp will continue for a week. CANTERBURY ENGINEERS. An enjoyable smoke concert was given last night in the mess marquee at the Canterbury Engineers' camp at New Brighton. There was a large attendance, including several residents of the borough aud members of other corps. Captain Dougall presided. The following toasts were honoured:—"The Queen"; "The Mounted and Ordnance Corps," proposed by Colour-Sergeant Steere and responded to by Sergeant-Major Berland and Sergeant Beazley; "The North Canterbury Battalion," proposed by Sergeant-Major Borland and responded to by ColourSergeant Steere; "The Borough Council aud Residents of New Brighton," proposed by the Rev W. S. Bean, chaplain to the Engineers, and responded to by Councillors Marshall and Owles and Mr Robb; and '• Our Officers." proposed by Col our-Sergeant Jones and responded to by Captain Dougall. During the evening songs were sung by. Messrs Moore and Owles, Sergeants Evans, Bea/.ley and M'Dowell, Corporal Taylor, Lance-Corporal Parker and Private Pearce. A parade of the North Canterbury Battalion will be held at 7.30 p.ui to-day. Lieutenant-Colonel Gordon, the officer commanding the Canterbury district, is at present making his annual inspection of tho corps iv South Canterbury. On Tuesday uight ho inspected the Asbburton Rifles, and last nigbt the Teniuka Kifles. To-day ho will iuspect the three rifle corps at Timai-u, find on Friday the Waiumto Kifles.