VOLUNTEERS CALLED OUT FOR INSPECTION.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXI, Issue 2431, 23 October 1866, Page 5

VOLUNTEERS CALLED OUT FOR INSPECTION.

THE HAU HAI7S AGEEE TO LEAVE , THE DISTBICT. (FBOM A COBBESPONDENT.) Masterton, 20fch Oct., 1866. The Hon. Colonel Haultain, Defence Minister, arrived hero last evening, by Cobb's coach. He having expressed a wish to see the Volunteers of the district, a notice was issued by Capt. "V. Smith, commanding the Masterton Rifle Volunteers, ordering a parade of the corps to-day, at 3 o'clock, p.m. In spite of their scattered condition, and the shortness of the notice, the corps mustered almost to a man. They were then exercised by their own officers in the presence of the Defence Minister, for about/ an hour, after which the ranks were opened for his inspection. The gallant colonel then addressed them, and said that as he happened to be on a visit to the district, he had asked Capt. Smith to give him an opportunity, if possible, of inspecting his corps. He was not in the habit of giving praise where it was not really deserved, but he felt bound to say that ho was not only very much pleased to see such a strong muster on so short a notice, but also much surprised to find them so highy efficient, especially when he rememberel that they met for drill only onee a montli. He found the arms in excellent order, without one exception. They had gone through their drill very steadily and correctly, and their ! officers thoroughly understood their work.' They had doubtless heard of the recent! events at Hawke's Bay, and how completely their fellow settlers there had defeated a body of rebel natives who were disturbing the peace of tliat district. As far as he was able to judge at present he did not think it likey that the Volunteers of this district would be called out for active service, but should such a course be necessary he felt sure that being

Englishmen, and therefore possessed of equal pluck, they would be as ready as the settlers of Hawke's Bay to do their duty. He concluded by again expressing the pleasure he felt at having had this opportunity of inspecting them. Capt. Y. Smith then said that before dismissing them, he wished on his own behalf, to express the great satisfaction he felt at the readiness with which they had responded to his unexpected summons for a parade today. Their appearance and conduct was highly creditable to them, and most satisfactory to himself. He would only now add, j that unless circumstances should render it ' necessary for him to call them together in the rr eantime for something more than mere exercise, their presence to-day relieved them from any parade next month. The Wairarapa Cavalry Volunteers, under Captain Donald, would also have been present if it had been possible for them to receive notice in time. A message was sent by the Hon. the Defence Minister, through Mr. Wardell, 8.M., to-day to tho rebel camp, to the effect that the Hau Hau strangers were to leave tho district without delay, and that no armed Maoris were to pass through the townships. October 21. A reply to the message sent yesterday was received early this morning by the Hon. Col. Haultaiu. Mr. Wardell was not allowed to visit the head quarters of the camp, but a party was sent forward to receive his message. They replied that the armed Hau Haus would leave, and that it was not intended that the armed party should pass through the townships.