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EL—9a

Men. —Pair ; a considerable number of recruits. Turn-out. —The appearance on parade was not up to the mark. The men have breast-pockets, which is contrary to regulations. The recruits were in plain clothes. It appears that in this corps the uniform is given to each man, so that there is no reserve kept up. Drill. —The drill was very indifferently done. A number of the men live at a distance from Westport, and are unable to attend regularly. There is no regular instruction given by a trained instructor, as the expense of sending a man from Nelson and the time taken up in going and returning precludes the possibility of even a monthly visit. The officer commanding the district for the same reasons rarely visits this corps.

MAELBOEOUGH VOLUNTEEE DISTRICT. This District is commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel the Hon. W. D. H. Baillie, who is unable, owing to his having contracted an affection of the eyes, to now satisfactorily supervise his command. Lieutenant-Colonel Baillie has given much time and attention to his work, and it is much to be regretted that his services are no longer available. There is a Sergeant-Major in this district who is a Volunteer. Ido not consider that he is of any value. He was on parade without sword or belts, and was of no assistance in the drill. With the exception of the cadet corps, I do not consider that the corps in this district should continue to exist. The Marlborough Mounted Eifles are valueless, the City Eifles are but a fairlysatisfactory corps, but the Blenheim Eifles are in good condition. It would, however, be inadvisable to keep one isolated corps up, and as already recommended the corps should be disbanded. The battalion drill, under Colonel Baillie, and Captains Eogers, Griffiths, and Lomax, was but .mo.dera.tely done. The Blenheim Eifles were extended for attack, but the work was poorly done, not being understood by the non-commissioned officers and men.

Maelboeough Mounted Bifles —22nd March, 1893. Present: 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, 1 colour-sergeant, 3 sergeants, 22 rank and file, and 5 band. Absent: 15 rank and file. Uniform. —Khakee, in good order. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider cavalry carbines, brown belts. Officers. —Captain Chaytor (acting), Lieutenant Banks (acting), Lieutenant Dodson (acting). Non-commissioned Officers and Men. —Good physique. Horses. —Fair stamp. Saddlery. —Of different patterns. Drill. —The drill was very indifferent throughout. This naturally resulted from the fact of all the officers being quite new to their work. No mounted drill is done except at the annual camp. The corps is very much scattered, and it has been found to be impossible to get the men together on other occasions. Of the men on parade six had not been in camp. The section leaders were unable to look after their sections or give them their commands. The mounting and dismounting was badly done, taking an excessive amount of time. There is no advantage to be gained in keeping up this corps. Blenheim Eiples.—22nd March, 1893. Present: 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, 1 colour-sergeant, 4 sergeants, and 57 rank and file. Absent: 1 sergeant. Uniform. tunic, black helmet, in good order. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider rifle, buff belts. Officers. —Captain Eogers: A good commanding officer. Lieutenant Fowler: A good officer. Lieutenant Salmon : A good officer. Non-commissioned Officers. —Good on the whole. Men. —Good class. Turn-out. —An excellent muster and good turn-out, most of the belts being very well cleaned. Drill. —The drill was fairly well done. The markers were not up to their work. Coloursergeant Baillie did well. This is a good company, which I regret to have to recommend to be disbanded. Ido so wholly on the grounds that it is not required. Blenheim City Eifles.—22nd March, 1893. Present: 1 captain, 1 lieutenant, 1 colour-sergeant, 4 sergeants, and 41 rank and file. Absent: 11 rank and file. Uniform. —Scarlet tunics, black helmets. Arms and Accoutrements. —Snider rifle, buff belts. Officers. —Captain Griffiths : A keen energetic officer. Lieutenant O'Callaghan : I believe works hard. Non-commissioned Officers. —Good. Men. —Fairly good. A number of recruits in the ranks. Turn-out. —Fair. Drill. —The drill was but moderate. This is a fairly satisfactory company.