Untitled

Wellington Independent, Volume I, Issue 16, 24 May 1845, Page 1

Cuttei Leven, 24 tons, Popperwell. Master, Agent. Whaling barque Caernarvon, of Sydney, Capt. Irving. Schooner Fidele, 7 tons, Cemino. Master, Agent. Schooner Susannah Ann, 79 tons, Hensley. Samuel and Joseph, Agents. Schooner Sarah Jane, 29 tons, Swan. Agent, W. Fitzherbert. Sloop-^ojrcrfTfS^J^^S^onSjJLu^ Agent. ■. Cutter Ami and Sarah, 28 tons, Sinclar. Mass ter, Agent. . ,; . Cutter Wave, 8 tons, Morton, Master, Agent.

On Tuesday, the detachment of the 96th regiment, .under the command of Capt. Eyton, practised with ball cartridge, at the foot of Mount Victoria, Te Aro. We are informed that many of this body are good shots. On Tuesday morning, the Te Aro Volunteers practised, for the first time, with blank cartridge. Sergeant Dumper, of the 96th regiment, and Mr. Thomas Crowther, deserve great praise for their very efficient services, and the Volunteers themselves went through the exercise in a highly creditable manner. On Wednesday morning, the Thorndon Volunteers practised for the' first time, with blank cartridge. The Thorndon Volunteers hare progressed rapidly in their drill, to the credit of the sergeants. A\ On Wednesday afternoon, the usual muster of the military and Volunteers, took place fon Te Aro Flat. The companies of the 58th and 96th regiments, went through a variety of manosuvers, such as skirmishing, &c. The Thorndon Volunteers did not turn out in any numbers, and owing to that circumstance, the effect was in a great measure lost. The Volunteers present were drilled by Sergeant Wilson, of the 58th regiment, but the drill was brought to a close, sooner than it would have been, by the evening setting in wet from the South East. Previous to the Volunteers being dismissed, Adjutant Macdonogh read the following notice :— Memorandum.—The captains of companies are requested to meet on Saturday, the 24th hist., at the residence of Colonel Wakefield, between the hours of 12 and 1 p. m., for the purpose of selecting the Lieutenants and Ensigns of their respective companies. The several captains of the Wellington Militia, will send in to the Major commanding the names of three of the Volunteer Militiamen, whom each may consider competent to do the duty of non-commissioned officers, viz., one as sergeant, and two as corporals. M. Richmond, Commanding, W. M. A notice was also read to the effect that the Militia men were to find their own dresses, which were to consist of blue shirts, blue caps, black belts, and dark. trowsers. This, however, has beeH withdrawn, as dresses are to be furnished by the Government. We would remark on one circumstance, which we are convinced Capt. Russell, when made acquainted with, will prevent for the future. The soldiers, when skirmishing, seera to take a delight in jumping over and breaking down people's fences, and ruining their gardens. Why is this ? Surely there is sufficient open ground for a much larger body of military than that at present in Wellington. And it must be borne in mind, that irreparab'e mischief to the poor mau can be accomplished in a few seconds, by the destruction of the vegetables he may be depending upon ; and what is of. more value to himself, and to the colony—fruit trees. If there was not sufficient clear space, there might then be some little excuse for such conduct ; but as it is, we ouly look upon it as sheer wantonness. We are sure Captain Russell and the other officers, in their kiwdJiess_fif_djsp_osition, will see the injustice, and cause the military to relrain lrora such" proceedings, and that we shall not have to notice the subject again.