H.—9

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Wanganui Bifles. —20th September, 1892. Present: 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, 5 sergeants, and 53 rank and file. Absent: 4 rank and file. Uniform. —Kharkee, new; officers and sergeants with pockets, remainder without. It is to be generally noted that the collars of the kharkee frocks are not nearly enough stiffened, and soon present a very draggled appearance; also, that the hooks for supporting the belts are rarely sewn on in the proper place or manner: the bottom of the hook should be on the level of the bottom button of the frock, which should be low enough to show under the waistbelt when it is round the man's waist. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider rifle and sword-bayonet; white belts, very well cleaned. Officers. —Captain Watt: A very good officer, who takes much interest in his work. Lieutenant Foster : A smart-looking officer. Lieutenant Hughes : Is, I believe, a steady, reliable officer. Men. —A very fine body of men, of good position. Drill. —The turn-out was most satisfactory as regards both numbers and appearance. The drill was satisfactory, and the non-commissioned officers proved very efficient. I consider that this company is one of the soundest in the colony. Albeet Bieles. —20th September, 1892. Present: 1 captain, 1 lieutenant, 3 sergeants, and 22 rank and file. Absent: 1 lieutenant, 1 sergeant, and 22 rank and file. Uniform. —Kharkee, new; officers and sergeants with breast-pockets, remainder without. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider rifle and sword-bayonet; white belts. Officers. —Captain Willis: I found this officer not efficient as regards his drill, and, judging from the state of the company, I consider that he is not a good commanding officer. Lieutenant Day: Absent without leave. Lieutenant Skipwith: Only recently appointed; was nervous on parade. He has done much for this corps in aiding it pecuniarily to buy uniforms, and in attempting to keep the corps together. Drill. —The men who were on parade were well turned out. Captain Willis told me that he had not told off the company, and I found that he had not taken the trouble to see that his guides and markers were told off. He was quite unable to drill the company correctly, but seemed to be under the impression that mere commands were all that was required of him, the knowledge of whether the commands were rightly or wrongly obeyed being quite unimportant matters. Lieutenant Skipwith, under the circumstances, was too nervous to do himself credit; and I believe the same to have been the case with the colour-sergeant (Simpson), who appeared to be a smart, intelligent man. The remaining non-commissioned officers, who were guides and markers, were not efficient as such. Lieutenant Day, the senior subaltern officer, had absented himself wilfully, evidently fearing to face the inspection. I consider that under a good commanding officer this corps would be in an altogether different state from that in which I found it, and I have hopes that it may find such an officer before the commencement of next year, otherwise there will be no advantage gained in allowing it to exist longer. Eoyal Bifles (Eangitikei). —21st September, 1892. Present: 2 lieutenants, 4 sergeants, and 50 rank and file. Absent: 1 captain and 1 rank and file. Uniform. —Scarlet; black helmets. The uniform was old and much worn; some men in serges, one or two in band-tunics and band-trousers. The corps has been saving money to buy new uniforms, and is now in a position to do so. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider; buff belts. Officers. —Captain Skerman: Absent on leave in England. Lieutenant Sutcliffe: A good, zealous officer. Lieutenant Marr: A steady, useful officer. Drill. —This was the best muster that I had seen, only one being absent. The appearance was moderate, owing to indifferent uniform. The drill was fairly done, and would have been better had not the men been so cramped in a small hall, six files having to stand on one side while the remainder were being drilled. There were a considerable number of young soldiers in the ranks. Two of the sergeants drilled the company in a fairly efficient manner; and I judge that the noncommissioned officers are intelligent, and interested in their work. This corps is in a good sound state. Manchesteb Bifles. Present: 2 lieutenants, 1 sergeant, and 32 rank and file. Absent: 2 sergeants and 13 rank and file. Uniform. —Kharkee; officers only with pockets. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider rifle ; white belts. Officers. —Captain : None. Lieutenant Kirton : Has been practically in command of the corps for the last year. Lieutenant Bray : Eecently appointed. Non-commissioned Officers and Men. —The turn-out was indifferent. A few men in kharkee hats, the rest in glengarries. The belts were not well cleaned, nor put on well. There was only one sergeant present, and he proved to be a very indifferent drill, and knew nothing of his work as. guide. The other non-commissioned officers were of similar stamp. The men were very indifferently drilled, being only able to do some simple standing movements. They could not form to the front or rear. I found that drill was not much done by this corps. There is no drill-hall. When the moon and weather permits, drill is done in the streets. In a wet season the result is that but little