INSTRUCTING INSTRUCTORS

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2057, 30 April 1907, Page 4

INSTRUCTING INSTRUCTORS

NEW SCHEME FOR DRILL DUTIES. Uniformity of instruction lor the defence forces of tho colony (says tho ’honing Rost of April 24tli) is a do■irahlo aim of the Council oi Defence, i’ho course of instruction now being /one through by the Wellington Dis•riet Staff is a preliminary to that and, and one that should later on nlrodueo interesting and most liecosiary work to the infantry and _ the minuted rille volunteers, in addition to tho mere drill-hall work. Tho subjects being taken at tho instruction class are:—(l) Drill, in lot ail from squad to company mcluivo, tho amending of certain irregu'arities now appearing in the drill .liainials; (2) musketry in all its branches, and especially tho aids for training recruits and the giving of ihort lectures, to ho followed by a day .if practical worit on the rifle range; (3) instruction as to the making of artificial shelter of a useful nature tor field forces—such as rifle pits, hasty entrenchments, loopholing walls .liul ‘parapets, field kitchens, making if hurdles, gabions, bivouacs and tent mats: knotting and lashing; (4) range finding with various instruments, judging distance ; (5) elementary field sketching, map reading and setting, of a nature useful for junior officers mil for non-commissioned officer pat•o!s when making reports. The foregoing synopsis should make interesting reading for all who have it heart the interests of our defence t Circes, a,lid a desire to see their itandard of proficiency raised. It gives surety of added interest being given to the work of the infantry branch of tho service, whose drill duties have hitherto been monotonous by comparison with the varied epurso gone through by naval and garrison artillery. It Inis long been matter of comment that the work of the infantry was not made as wide and varied as it should be. and credit is due to the Council of Defence for thus early giving proof of its resolve to improve matters. Tho instructional class will he continued at the Central Drillshcd, oil' Lambton quay, throughout the present week. Lieutenant Symons is in charge of the engineering class, and Cantain McDonald, musketry officer commanding tho district, superintends the drill course. Instructors from tho Royal New Zealand Artillei"- permanent force conduct the knotting, lashing, and range-finding classes. The interest taken by the staff points to the volunteers reaping benefit at no distant date. On conclusion of the Wellington class, similar courses will be arranged for ill other volunteer districts of the colony. These will he followed later by opportunities for volunteer officers and non-commissioned officers to participate in the instruction.