VOLUNTEER NEWS.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume I, Issue 42, 16 May 1891, Page 2

VOLUNTEER NEWS.

[Volunteers and others are invited to contribute to this column All communications should be addressed to “ Carbine, and left at the office of this paper not later than Wednesday in each week.

RANGE TIME-TABLE. May 16 Victoria Rifles, City Guards, Newton and Royal Irish Rifles.

1 By

Carbine.]

The members of the South Franklin Mounted Infantry have just completed their’ half-yearly course of training. The men looked forward to a visit from Major Goring, but he was unable to be present. They have decided to form a shooting club, the first one to be Married v. Single. Messrs. Maxwell and Rutter have offered prizes for the highest scores on both sides. The “A” Battery held there usual monthly inspection on last Thursday week over forty men answering to the roll-call, under Captain Geddes and Lieut. O’Brien. Major Goring inspected the guns and men, and stated he was well pleased with their appearance and also with the cleanliness of their field pieces. The Major intends to have two classes formed for instruction on the projectiles, fuses, etc., to start at an early date. After the inspection thes corps had a march-out, with the Artillery Band under Drum-Major Kearsley. Last Saturday being another off day at the range a number of casuals took the advantage of having a practice, and succeeded in making some very good scores. It is the intention of the residents of Northcote to form a Cavalry corps, about 39 names have already been given in, and Mr. Jackson Palmer has written to the Defence Minister for a, s s i s t a.n c e. Corp. H. Doughty is to be elected Sergeant in the “ A ” Battery vice Sergt. J. A. Hatswell, resigned on account of leaving for England. The “O” Battery, I am glad to hear, are gaining new members, and very shortly I expect to see them up to the minimum strength. The recruit classes are being well attended every Monday evening, but sadly want weeding out, as some are mere school-boys, and a long way off the regulation size and age.

The “Barb” correspondent for the Sydney Sporting Standard is responsible for the following par. If such is the case there are many New Zealanders that will contribute. An effort is being made to organise a benefit to Mr. E. De Mestre, the well-known sportsman. As an owner, rider, and breeder of horses, there is no name entitled to more respect than Mr. Do Mestre’s, and in the “old days” he and his colours were ever welcome and popular on a racecourse. Mr. De Mestre owned Grandmaster, Archer (who won two Melbourne Cups running) Robinson Crusoe. Vulcan, Grand Prix, Chesterfield, and a host of other good horses, and as whenever any of his horses ran the public felt convinced that they were having a straight and good run, it is little wonder that his name should be widely respected. He has of late years experienced reverses, and it is to be hoped that the A. J.C. will lend Randwick to a complimentary committee, for a day, and thus enable the veteran to reap a handsome testimonial.