VOLUNTEERING.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2098, 27 January 1908, Page 2

VOLUNTEERING.

THE STAFF RIDE.

Tho volunteer staff ride took place on Saturday afternoon, and was attended by all the officers who were commanding the units of the different services. These included the Capt. A. G. Beeere; Chief Staff Officer, Capt. J. Tombleson; the O.C. Mounted, Lieut. C. H. Evans; the O.C. Infantry, Lieut. A. T. Coleman; the O.C. Artillery, Lieut. Hamilton, assisted by iSergt. Spragg, of the A battery, Auckland; Transport and Quartermaster, Lieut. Carter; Intelligence Officer ,Lieut. H. _ Wilson, of the New Zealand Militia. The Intelligence Officer reported that since noon no movement had been made by the invading force, and consequently the depositions which were computed for the stationary force were carried out. A wide flanking movement was carried out by way of forcing an engagement with tlie stationary invading force to co-operate with the launches at sea. The mounted men pushed along the Waikanae beach to complete an envelopment on the north and south, and this was effected. The dispositions were then allotted on the maps. 'The reserve had been shifted from the wharves to the Domain for strategical purposes, and thus any parties could easily be reinforced. A general review of the work done was given and criticised by the Officer Commanding the district. An alternative scheme, which was formulated by the Officer Commanding the local forces, was not •required, but in future manoeuvres it may be utilised. The Officer Commanding the district was .satisfied with the work' done, and he hoped that many staff rides would be carried out by the local troops. As only five or six officers were required this should not bo difficult. THE INSTRUCTIONAL CLASS. The class of instruction for the officers was concluded oil Saturday night, when Sergeant-Major Williams addressed those present on “Knotting and l Splicing”; Captain Hi slop spoke on “An Outpost Scheme” ; and Col. Bauchop lectured on the “Links of Communication,” whereby the New Zealand forces were considered as a component part of the fighting forces of the British Empire.

The piarty leaves this morning for Wai-roa, and the classes will be started there on Tuesday night and continued till the end of the week, when Col. Banc-bop and' his staff return to Wellington.