SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT ON THE SOUTH CANTERBURY DISTRICT. BY LIEUT.-COLONEL F.J. FOX, R.A., COMMANDANT, N.Z. FORCES.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1893 Session I, H-09b

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1893. NEW ZEALAND.

SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT ON THE SOUTH CANTERBURY DISTRICT. BY LIEUT.-COLONEL F. J. FOX, R.A., COMMANDANT, N.Z. FORCES.

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

WELLINGTON. BY AUTHOEITY: SAMUEL COST ALL, GOVEENMENT PEINTEE FOE THE TIME BEING.

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To His Excellency the Earl of Glasgow, Governor and Commander-in-Chief, New Zealand. My Lord, — Defence Office, Wellington, 12th June, 1893. I have the honour to forward, for your information and that of your Government, a report on the Volunteer corps in the South Canterbury District, which completes my report on the New Zealand forces and defences, and my recommendations as to the future organization of the former and the perfecting of the latter in so far as I consider necessary. The inspection and work done by me have been under the guidance of the Hon. the Defence Minister, and have been carried out in accordance with his instructions as regards the various times. I reported on the 19th April, 1893, to the Hon. the Defence Minister, on the result of my inspections in the Westland, Nelson, and Marlborough Districts, and on the work done at the camps. Between that date and the 16th May certain work had to be done by me under the Minister's direction—submitting lists of corps which I recommended for disbandment, lists of officers no longer required under my recommendations, requisitions for war material and stores, and questions as regards the duties and responsibilities which would devolve on me on my taking up the duties of Commandant or of Officer Commanding the Forces. It is necessary that these duties and responsibilities should be thoroughly understood and absolutely defined as part of the scheme for reorganization. I therefore take this opportunity, in forwarding the concluding portion of my report, to lay the matter fully before your Excellency and your Government, begging that it may be given the most serious consideration. As regards my past and present position, I may state that, although I was gazetted Commandant on the 2nd May, 1892, it was subsequently arranged that I should not take up the official duties until after I had made my report and that it had been considered. This arrangement was arrived at during an interview which I had the honour to have with, the late Premier, to whom I was introduced by the present Premier, who was then, as now, the Defence Minister, and was based on my reasons that it would be impossible for me to exercise the duties of Commandant while I was travelling over the country inspecting the various corps in a very minute manner, making myself acquainted with the condition of the various works and defences, and compiling a report involving much thought, time, and labour ; and also that it would be advisable for the Government and Parliament to consider the report, to adopt it in whole, or in part, or not at all, so that I should be informed what the wishes and intentions of the Government would be before I should be asked to undertake the responsibilities of the discipline and efficiency of the Forces and of the defence of the colony, which responsibilities I most certainly look upon as part of the duties of a Commandant. Mr. Bell, the late Defence Engineer, left the service of the Defence Department on the Ist April, 1893, and handed over to the Engineer-in-Chief of the colony his office, confidential papers, records, &c. In this matter I was neither consulted nor was I informed of the change until after it was completed.

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I must now advise that the Defence Engineer's plans and papers be at once handed back to the Defence Department, and that a proper section of that department be reconstituted. In my report I have recommended that certain works should be carried out to complete the present defence works and render them effective. I need say no more than that I consider these works to be absolutely necessary, and that I believe that in the best interests of the colony they should be supervised in construction by a man with intimate knowledge of submarine-mining requirements and of works-construction. I therefore again recommend that a Royal Engineer officer, duly qualified, be obtained, through application to His Royal Highness the Commander-in-Chief, for a term of three years, which time will be in my opinion sufficient for the completion of the works as recommended. I, on the 26th April, informed the Hon. Minister of Defence that I was ready to take charge immediately if I had the assurance of his help in carrying out those reforms indicated in my report, in so far as the annual estimate for three years was concerned; that I was anxious to at once undertake the duties of Commander of the Forces; that I should require the assistance of a Staff Officer, who, I was informed, would be appointed, if Iso recommended, on my arrival in New Zealand; that I hoped he would see fit to recommend to his Government that the proposals which I had put forward for the re-arming of the forces, and for the completion of the submarine mining works and defences, and for the perfecting of the defence of the four centres and of the coal port, and for the concentration of the armaments, should be adopted ; that although, with his help, I was perfectly willing to take up the duties of Commander of the Forces, it would be impossible for me to accept the responsibility of the defence of the Colony unless my recommendations as regards that defence should be carried out; and I had the honour of submitting a memorandum of the duties and responsibilities of an officer occupying the position of Commander of the Forces. Subsection (2), section 5, of " The Defence Act, 1886," reads, — " He may from time to time appoint an officer to be the Commander of the Forces, or any " portion of them, who shall be responsible for the discipline and efficiency of the Force, and who " shall inspect and report once in every year to the Governor upon the state of the Forces." It will be observed that I have expressed my willingness to undertake the duties of Commander of the Forces at the instance of the Hon. the Minister, but that it is impossible for me to be responsible for the efficiency and discipline of Forces which I have already reported on as being quite inefficient and with little discipline, unless my recommendations based on the annual estimate which I had put forward were carried into force, and unless I were given the sole control as regards discipline, as recommended by me; and also that, unless my recommendations as regards the supply of proper rifles to the Forces, and the completion of the defence works, submarine mining, and otherwise, were carried out, it will not be possible for the Government or Parliament of the colony to hold me in any way responsible for their defence either in the present or in the future. The duties and responsibilities of the officer occupying the position of Commander of the Forces or Commandant should be as follows (vide Queen's Regulations) ; — He is charged — (1.) With the command, discipline, distribution, military education, training, and efficiency of the officers, warrant officers, non-commissioned officers, and men of the New Zealand Permanent Militia and Volunteer Forces, when subject to military law, or when assembled for training, exercise, inspection, or voluntary military duty. (2.) With enlisting men for and discharging men from the Permanent Militia and Volunteer Forces. (3.) With the selection of fit and proper persons to be recommended to His Excellency the Governor for appointment to commissions in the Permanent Militia and Volunteer Forces and tvith the submission to His Excellency of qualified persons recommended for appointment to commissions in Her Majesty's Forces. (4.) With the selection of fit and proper officers, -whether of the Permanent Militia or Volunteer Forces, for promotion, for staff and other military appointments, and for military honours and rewards.

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(5.) With obtaining, holding, and issuing to all branches of the Permanent Militia and Volunteer Forces food, forage, fuel and light, clothing, arms, accoutrements, munitions of war, and all other stores necessary for the efficient performance of their duties by such Forces, of properquality and pattern, and in proper quantities, according to the regulations governing the provision, custody, and issue of such supplies; and with exercising a strict control over the expenditure of such supplies. (6.) With the construction, maintenance, and custody of all fortifications, works, and buildings, and charge of all lands, belonging to the Defence Department; and with allotting quarters. (7.) With the provision and maintenance of horses and transport for the troops, and directing land and water transport. (8.) With the collection and record of strategical and other information, including topography, in relation to the military circumstances of this and other countries. (9.) With the preparation and maintenance of detailed plans for the mobilisation of the Permanent Militia and Volunteer Forces. (10.) With preparing the estimates for all the above services. (11). And with the duty of rendering such advice and assistance on military matters as may be required of him by His Excellency the Governor and the Defence Minister. The first four paragraphs are intimately concerned with the discipline of the Forces, and no person could be responsible for that discipline unless he had the powers as therein . set forth. _ Paragraph 5 concerns the efficiency of the Forces ; paragraph 6, the efficiency of the works and fortifications, and the responsibility for the lands connected therewith, and of other Government property belonging to the Defence Department; paragraphs 7, 8, and 9, the efficiency of the Forces ; paragraph 10, the duties and responsibilities of the Commandant as regards the estimates; and paragraph 11, his duties in connection with the Defence Minister, to whom he is the responsible military adviser. It might appear at first sight that by this arrangement all the responsibility is absorbed by the Commandant; but in reality it is far otherwise. The Minister is the really responsible person. According as he follows the advice of his responsible adviser, and that adviser is capable, so will efficiency increase and the defences will become well organized ; but, if he repudiates that advice, then the responsibility for the want of efficiency and the unpreparedness which is the sure forerunner of excessive expenditure in the presence of a scare, and of absolute failure in the presence of real danger, must follow. The Minister always has the power of curtailing the estimates and of guiding the expenditure, and is therefore the really responsible person in all except discipline, with which he has no dealings except to loyally support the officer whom he has placed in the position of Commandant, and who is absolutely responsible and not to be interfered with so long as he performs his duties correctly according to the regulations. As regards the regulations, and the Defence Act of 1886, under which those regulations are drawn, I find that the Act does not in express terms provide for the appointment of an officer to the position of Commandant with the powers and responsibilities which I have set forth, and I recommend that the Government should take steps to cause the Act to be amended in this session, properly authorising the appointment as Commandant, placing all the Forces under his command, and stating his powers and responsibilities. The present regulations are in many cases obsolete, and will have to be completely revised should anything be done to place the Forces in a sounder state. I desire to state with reference to my own appointment: (1) That the Government of New Zealand took steps to insure that the highest military authorities in the Imperial service should be interested in the selection of an officer as Commandant; (2) that the Government then applied to the War Office for my services as Commandant for five years; (3) that my services were placed at their disposal for that period; (4) that an agreement was entered into between the representative of the New Zealand Government and myself in accordance with which I am to be Commandant for five years; (5) that I entered into that agreement fully believing that my duties and responsibilities would be based on the well-known lines which are laid down; (6) that I have been gazetted and have received my commission as Commandant; (7) that it will be my endeavour to fill that position with credit to the colony; (8) that I trust the Government will see fit to recommend to Parliament that the steps

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which I have recommended to be taken to place the Forces and Defences in a state of efficiency should be carried out; and (9) that I should be given full powers to insure that proper discipline in the Forces should be maintained. I have the honour to be, My Lord, Your Excellency's most obedient servant, Francis J. Fox, Local Lieut.-Colonel and Colonel N.Z. Militia, Commandant, N.Z. Forces.

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SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT ON SOUTH CANTERBURY VOLUNTEER DISTRICT,

Parade State of the above District at Commandant's Inspection

General Remarks. This district is commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Bailey. He has done good work, and the corps, with two exceptions, are in good order—the Waimate corps being only fair, while the Geraldine corps is much below par. I regret that I have to recommend that the Ashburton and Temuka corps should be disbanded, as both officers and men in these corps have worked well, and show a very good spirit. It was explained to me that the Temuka corps would have attended the Easter encampment at Christchurch had not the order for the camp been received just too late to warn the men by advertisement, owing to the local paper only being published twice a week. The breaking-up of this district, as I recommend, will abolish the post of District Commanding Officer. Lieutenant-Colonel Bailey has for a considerable number of years been employed under the Defence Department, and it is through no fault of his that his services will be no longer required. As he is practically wholly dependent on the small emoluments attached to the post, I trust that the Government will favourably consider his past services. Staff Sergeant-Instructor Jones is a smart non-commissioned officer. Waimate Rifles.—2sth May, 1893. Present: 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, 1 colour-sergeant, 2 sergeants, and 40 rank and file. Absent: 1 sergeant and 2 rank and file. Uniform.— Scarlet tunics, black helmets ; officers in undress. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider rifles ; buff belts and slings. Officers. —Captain Shaw : A good commanding officer ; about to retire on leaving the district. Lieutenant Grant: Fairly good. Lieutenat Foote (acting) : Shows keenness. Non-commissioned Officers. —Fair. Men. —-Good physique. Turn-out. —A good muster. The uniform is locally made, and is not uniform in cut. The appearance of the men is much spoiled in consequence. Drill. —The drill was fair under the officers and non-commissioned officers. C Battery, Timaru.—26th May, 1893. Present: 1 captain, 1 staff-sergeant, 2 sergeants, and 41 rank and file. Absent : 6 rank and file. Uniform. —Some men in tunics, others in frocks; busbies without plumes in several instances. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider artillery carbines ; belts of various patterns. Officers. —Captain Jackson : Takes much interest in the artillery work of his battery. Lieutenants : There are none. Non-commissioned Officers. —Satisfactory as regards gunnery. Men. —Well up in gunnery.

Prei lent on 'an lo. 09 « 03 g> CD CQ i o r o O to P4 o o Date of Inspection. Corps. to 43 d a i J3 o 3 o CO -^ a o ■+^ C0 3 c3 O 03 43 GO M © 02 03 o H o O GO > Ph o ao 1 CD (55 d cB QJ DO M <D CQ 5-1 O ft f-i o O CO > P4 O H May 26 „' 26 „ 31 „ 29 „ 30 „ 26 „ 25 June 1 „ 1 „ 1 Timaru Navals C Battery Temuka Eifles Ashburton Eifles ... Geraldine Rifles Timaru Rifles Waimate Rifles Timaru Navals C Battery . . Timaru Rifles Cadets. Timaru High School Temuka High School 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 4 2 4 4 4 4 2 4 2 4 3 3 4 3 1 3 3 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 2 l 43 39 31 33 27 48 36 32 29 47 53 45 42 45 38 58 46 42 35 58 61 51 46 49 43 64 49 61 51 64 1 1 1 i 7 6 3 4 5 5 2 19 16 6 8 6 4 4 5 1 f 2 2' ■ 1 May 31 1 f 1 1 4 2 31 41 39 47 43 47 4 1

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Turn-out. —A fair muster. The appearance of the men on parade was completely spoilt by the variety of the dress and belts. The corps is being clothed in frocks, but these are made in various shapes and patterns, some with five buttons, some with six; some with buttons behind, others without. Drill.-. —Company drill very indifferently done. There were a large number of recruits on parade, and I was informed that but little company drill had been done. I saw this corps at battery drill on the Ist June. There were present one officer and thirty-four rank and file. It could not be expected that battery movements should be well done, as the guns are very rarely horsed. The gunnery work was very fairly well done throughout. The guns (three 9-pr. R.8.L.) are in fair order. Timaru Naval Artillery Volunteers.—26th May, 1893. Present: 1 lieutenant-commander, 5 petty officers, and 47 rank and file. Absent: 8 rank and file. Uniform. —Naval Artillery uniform ; lanyards of different patterns. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider artillery carbines; brown belts. Officers. —Lieutenant-Commander Thomas: Takes much interest, and appears likely to be a good commanding officer ; only appointed in March, 1893. Non-commissioned Officers. —Good stamp, doing well. Men. —Good stamp. Turn-out. —A very good muster. Drill. —The corps drilled well as a company, under Lieutenant-Commander Thomas and the petty officers. I inspected this corps also during the afternoon of the Ist June. There were present one officer and forty-one rank and file. The work done was that of a piquet on outpost duty. Keenness and a desire to learn were evinced. This is a-good corps, deserving encouragement. Surgeon-Major Lovegrove was present at the inspections on 26th May and Ist June. Timaru Rifles.—26th May, 1893. Present: 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, 1 colour-sergeant, 4 sergeants, and 50 rank and file. Absent: 6 rank and file. Uniform. —Khakee, in good order ; officers with white-enamel cross-belts. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider rifles; buff belts ; a few slings deficient. Officers. —Captain Jowsey : A very good officer ; commands well. Lieutenant Beckingham : A good keen officer. Lieutenant Foden : A good officer. Non-commissioned Officers. —Good. Men. —Good stamp. Turn-out. —A very good muster and smart turn-out, the belts being very well cleaned. Drill. —The company drill, under the officers and non-commissioned officers, was well done. I inspected this corps on the afternoon of the Ist June. There were present a captain, two lieutenants, and fifty-five rank and file. The company was exercised as a piquet on outpost duty. The work was done with intelligence. This is a good corps, well commanded and officered, and worthy of support. Ashburton Eifles. —29th May, 1893. Present: 1 captain, 1 lieutenant, 1 colour-sergeant, 4 sergeants, and 38 rank and file. Absent : 4 rank and file. Uniform. —Scarlet tunics; black helmets. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider rifles; buff belts. Officers. —Captain Dolman: A good commanding officer; keen and zealous. Lieutenant Hayes : A good officer; works well. Non-commissioned Officers. —Good. Men.-— Good. Turn-out.- —A very good muster and clean turn-out. Drill. —Satisfactorily done, under the officers and non-commissioned officers. This corps is in good condition, and is very well looked after. There is a Morris-tube range in the drillshed, which is found to be of much benefit in teaching the men to shoot. Geraldine Eifles.—3oth May, 1893. Present: 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, 1 colour-sergeant, 4 sergeants, 26 rank and file, and 4 band. Absent: 5 rank and file. Uniform. —Non-commissioned officers and men in khakee ; officers in scarlet tunics and black helmets. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider rifles ; buff belts. Officers. —Captain Pearpoint: Is keen, but, I judge, lacks power of command. Lieutenant McKenzie : Eeported to be a good officer. Lieutenant McDonald : Wanting in application. Non-commissioned Officers. —-Not up to ordinary standard. Man. —Good physique. Drill. —The drill, under the officers and non-commissioned officers, was much below par. I found this company not to be in a satisfactory condition. Excuses were made that the men had been harvesting and threshing during the last few months, and consequently there had not been good attendances on parade. On falling out the recruits, I found that ten men,, of about a year's service, fell out, and said they had never done their recruits' drill.

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Temuka Rifles.—3lst May, 1893. Present: 1 captain, 1 lieutenant, 1 colour-sergeant, 4 sergeants, and 35 rank and file. Absent: 1 sergeant and 3 rank and file. Uniform. —Blue-serge frocks; glengarries ; officers in undress uniform. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider rifles; buff belts. Officers. —Captain Cutton : A very good commanding officer. Lieutenant Findlay : Absent; about to retire. Lieutenant Whitehead : A good officer. Non-commissioned Officers . —Good. Men. —Good stamp. Turn-out. —A good muster. The frocks are not made uniformly, nor were the caps well put on. Drill. —The corps drilled very well as a company, under the officers and non-commissioned officers. The manual was very well done, but the sword-bayonet exercise was indifferently performed. This corps is well looked after, and in good condition. Major Young was present at this inspection. Temuka High School Cadet Corps.—3lst May, 1893. I inspected these cadets, finding them to be without any uniform, and at present not drilled with arms. This is wise, as the boys vary in age from eleven to fifteen, the large majority being under thirteen. The marching and squad drill was very fairly done. There are a number of carbines and cut-down rifles in charge of the corps. These were not in good order. Timaru High School Cadets. I inspected this cadet corps on the Ist June. The cadets were dressed in scarlet serge frocks of different patterns, glengarry caps. They have cut-down rifles and brown belts. No side arms. The drill, as squad drill, was good, considering that the boys had only just come back from their holidays, and that the usual changes necessitated by the older boys leaving had only just been effected. Physical drill should be taught in these corps.

RETURN OF CORPS AFFILIATED TO DISTRICTS, AS RECOMMENDED. Distbict of Wellington.—Commanding Officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Newall. Wellington Navals. Wairoa Mounted Rifles. Petone Navals. Rangitikei Cavalry. Heretaunga Mounted Rifles. Hawcra Mounted Rifles. D Battery Field Artillery. Manawatu Mounted Rifles. Wellington City Rifles. Royal Rifles. Wellington Guards. Wanganui Rifles. Wellington Rifles. Palmerston Rifles. Wanganui Navals—as a rifle corps. Taranaki Rifles. Alexandra Cavalry. Distbict of Auckland.—Commanding Officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Goring. Auckland Navals. Victoria Rifles. Thames Navals—as a rifle corps. City Guards Rifles. Ponsonby Navals. Newton Rifles. Waiuku Cavalry. Hamilton Rifles. Te Awamutu Mounted Rifles. Te Aroba Rifles. South Franklin Mounted Rifles. And two riflo corps to be raised—one in AuckA Battery Field Artillery. land, one in district. Auckland Engineers. Distbict of Cantbebuby.—Commanding Officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Gordon. Lyttelton Navals. Christ's College Rifles. Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry. ' . Christchurch Rifles. Canterbury Mounted Rifles. A Company Canterbury Rifles. E Battery Field Artillery. Kaiapoi Rifles. N Battery Garrison Artillery. Rangiora Rifles. Canterbury Engineers. Timaru Navals. Christchurch City Guards. Timaru Rifles. Distbict of Dunedin.—Commanding Officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Webb. Dnnedin Navals. Highland Rifles. Port Chalmers Navals. Kaitangata Rifles. Otago Hussars. One corps to be raised in Dunedin. B Battery Artillery. Bluff Naval Artillery—as a rifle corps. Dunedin Engineers. Invercargill City Guards. City Guards Rifles. Riversdale Rifles. East Taieri Rifles. North Otago Mounted Rifles. North Dunedin Rifles. Waikouaiti Rifles. Distbict op Nelson. —Commanding Officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Pitt. Nelson Navals —as a rifle corps. Stoke Rifles. Nelson City Rifles. . • ■ ■' 2—H. 9b.

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RETURN OF VOLUNTEER CORPS RECOMMENDED TO BE RETAINED. District of Wellington. Wellington Navals. Wellington City Rifles. Petone Navals. Wellington Guards. Heretaunga Mounted Rifles. Wellington Rifles. D Battery Field Artillery. District of Wanganui. Wanganui Navals. Manawatu Mounted Rifles. Alexandra Cavalry. Royal Rifles. Wairoa Mounted Rifles. . Wanganui Rifles. Rangitikei Cavalry. Palmerston Rifles. Hawera Mounted Rifles. District of Taranaki. Taranaki Rifles. District of Auckland. Auckland Navals. Victoria Rifles. Thames Navals. City Guards Rifles. Ponsonby Navals. Newton Rifles. Waiuku Cavalry. Hamilton Rifles. Te Awamutu Mounted Rifles. Te Aroha Rifles. South Franklin Mounted Rifles. And two rifle corps to be raised—one in AuckA Battery Field Artillery. land and one in district. Auckland Engineers. District of Nelson. Nelson Navals. Stoke Rifles. Nelson City Rifles. Distbict of North Cantebbury. Lyttelton Navals. Christchurch City Guards. Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry. Christ's College Rifles. Canterbury Mounted Rifles. Christchurch Rifles. E Battery Field Artillery. A Company Canterbury Rifles. N Battery Garrison Artillery. Kaiapoi Rifles. Canterbury Engineers. Rangiora Rifles. District of South Cantebbuby. Timaru Navals. | Timaru Rifles. District of Oamaru. North Otago Mounted Rifles. Waikouaiti Rifles. District of Dunedin. Dunedin Navals. East Taieri Rifles. Port Chalmers Navals. North Dunedin Rifles. Otago Hussars. Highland Rifles. B Battery Artillery. Kaitangata Rifles. Dunedin Engineers. One corps to be raised in Dunedin. City Guards Rifles. Distbict of Southland. Bluff Naval Artillery. Riversdale Rifles. Invercargill City Guards. |

RETURN OF VOLUNTEER CORPS RECOMMENDED FOR DISBANDMENT. Distbict of Wanganui. Manchester Rifles. | Albert Rifles (no parados been held this year). District of Waiearapa. Masterton Rifles (only two parades counting for capitation this year). District of Auckland. Wairoa Rifles (no parades been held this year). Distbict of East Coast. Napier Navals. Napier Rifles. East Coast Mounted Rifles. Hastings Rifles. F Battery Field Artillery. District of Nelson. Westport Navals. Waimea Rifles. H Battery Field Artillery. Distbict of Marlborough. Marlborough Mounted Rifles. Blenheim City Rifles. Blenheim Rifles.

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District of Westland. Greymouth Navals. Inangahua Rifles (no parades been held this Ist Westland Rifles. year). Kumara Rifles. Brunnerton Rifles. Greymouth Rifles (only one parade held this year). Totara Rifles. District of North Cantebbury. Scottish Rifles (in a very weak state). | Richmond Rifles (only six members). District of South Cantebbury. C Battery Artillery. Waimate Rifles. Temuka Rifles. Geraldine Rifles (inefficient). Ashburton Rifles. District of Oamaru. Oamaru Navals. . Naseby Rifles. I Battery Artillery. Palmerston South Rifles. District of Dunedin. Peninsula Navals (this corps is being disbanded). Irish Rifles (no parados been held this year). L Battery Garrison Artillery (only one parade count- Tuapeka Rifles (only one parade counting for ing for capitation done this year). capitation done this year). Bruce Rifles (only one parade counting for capitation done this year). District of Southland. G Battery (only 33 strong—two parades this year I Riverton Rifles. counting for capitation). Gore Rifles.

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PORTION OF NOETH CANTEEBUEY DISTRICT. Eangiora Eifles. —2nd March, 1893. Present: 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, 4 sergeants, 40 rank and file. Absent: 7 rank and file. Uniform. —Scarlet; black helmets, in fair order. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider rifle ; buff belts. Officers. —Captain Helmore : A good commanding officer. Lieutenant Torlesse : A good officer. Lieutenant d'Auvergne : Wants confidence. Non-commissioned Officers. —Sergeant Jones and d'Auvergne drilled the company. They, with the other sergeants, are capable, but do not sufficiently appreciate the responsibility of their positions during the company drill, and especially during the firing exercises. Men. —Generally of very good stamp. The recruits, however, were not of good physique. Drill. —Company drill fairly well done. Manual exercise very good. Firing exercise showed want of fire discipline. This company is in a good state, and on the whole I was well satisfied. Hon. Surgeon Clayton was on parade. Kaiapoi Eifles.—3rd March, 1893. Present: 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, 1 colour-sergeant, 4 sergeants, 75 rank and file (22 recruits). Absent: 6 rank and file. Uniform. —Khakee ; black Glengarry caps. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider rifles ; buff belts, black pouch. Officers. —Captain Wilson : A very good commanding officer. Lieutenant Millar : A very good officer. Lieutenant Simpson (acting) : Likely to be a good officer. Non-commissioned Officers. —Colour-sergeant Blackwell: A very good non-commissioned officer of great value to his corps. The other non-commissioned officers appeared to be quite capable. Men. —Very fine body ; excellent physique. Turn-out. —The khakee uniform was clean and well cared for, but the cut and make of the frocks leaves much to be desired. The belts and pouches were remarkably well cleaned throughout, probably more so than in any other corps I have inspected. Drill.—The company drill was fairly well done under Captain Wilson and Lieutenant Millar. Lieutenant Simpson and Colour-sergeant Blackwell also drilled the company; the latter in physical drill. This is a very excellent company, with good esprit de corps, and much thought of and helped by the inhabitants of the town. This is very satisfactory. Kaiapoi Cadets.—3rd March, 1893. Present: 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, 1 colour-sergeant, 4 sergeants,43 rank and file. Absent: 8 rank and file. Uniform. —Eed serge frocks ; Glengarry caps. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider artillery carbines; brown leather belts. Officers. —Captain Alexander: A very good commanding officer. Lieutenant Garrard: Good ■officer. Lieutenant Lynskey : Good officer. Non-commissioned Officers and Cadets. —A very good body of lads, well set up and clean in appearance. Drill. —Company drill, manual and firing exercises, well done, but rather slow in movement. Physical drill very well done, the boys going through the first five exercises without even standing at ease. The corps is chiefly composed of boys belonging to the school, with a few belonging to the town. This is a very satisfactory cadet corps, well deserving of support. Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, not given; printing (1,550 copies), SI 15s.

By Authority : Samuel Costall, Government Printer for the time being, Wellington.—lB93. Price 6d.\