THE VOLUNTEERS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2581, 16 August 1909, Page 5

THE VOLUNTEERS.

EAST COAST MOUNTED RIFLES

*■' | Some time back arrangements were made between Major - Sandtmann, second in command of the Fourth Regiment of Mounted Rifles, and Captain Evans,v commanding the East Coast Mounted Rifles, that the efficiency of the corps in mobilisation would be tested by a call to arms at 24 hours’" notice. Captain Evans accordingly warned his officers that such an order might be effected at any moment during the months of July and August, and ordered them to instruct their troop sergeants how to proceed on receipt thereof. At 2.30 p.m. on Friday Captain Evans received a telegram t from Major Sandtmann containing the one word “Mobilise,” and immediately wired to his troop leaders, Lieuterfant Hamilton (Gisborne troop), Lieutenant Witters (Makauri), and Lieutenant Poynton (To Karaka). At 2.30 the following day (Saturday) the squadron wap at the pre-arranged rendezvous, the corner -.of Gladstone and Roebuck Roads, 51 strong, thus effecting a smart piece of work in mobilisation, which v/as the principal object aimed at. Captain Evans made an inspection, with the view of ascertaining whether the man had carried out the strict letter of the order as regards providing themselves and their horse's with the requisite equipment, including at least twelve hours’ rations and fodder. He expressed himself as very well pleased at the manner in which the order had been carried out.

After the inspection, the squadron marched through the town to the old drillshed, near the Post Office, and were formed up in line, and inspected by Major Sandtmann, who had arrived by the boat that morning from Napier, and who expressed himself as highly pleased at the number of officers and men on parade, considering the short notice they had received and the long distance a great many of the men had to come. The squadron then moved out to the junction of the roads just beyond the abattoirs, and formed a line of Cossack posts, for the purpose of watching for the imaginary invaders, who, it was presumed, had effected a landing at the mouth of the Big River. Lieutenant Hamilton was in charge of No. 1 picquet on the right, while Lieutenant Witters commanded No. 2 picquet to the left flank, with a detached party guarding the extreme left. Lieutenant Poynter was in command of the supports, in rear of and midway between the two pioquets. Major Sandtmann and Captain Evans then rode along the wnolc line and criticised the method in which the officers had carried out their duties.

The squadron re-formed,, and was told off as an advanced guard, under the command of Lieutenant Hamilton, and marched back in the direction of the town. The latter movement is that adopted for the protection of a body of troops on the march, while the plan of operations in the earlier part of the afternoon showed the disposition for protection of a force at the halt. The squadron was afterwards formed in column of route, and was dismissed at the intersection of Grey Street and Childers Road. A dismounted parade was held at 7.30 p.m. in the Garrison Hall for the purpose of the inspection of arms and equipment. After this was over, the squadron was again inspected by Major Sandtmann, who, at some length, reviewed the work of the afternoon. The Major complimented Captain Evans and the squadron on the efficiency disp.ayed in the movements carried out during the day. Hie ans-wers of the men to his questions while he was inspecting them during the outpost work proved, he said, that they had an intelligent conception of the various duties required of them. _ In not a single instance had he received a silly or stupid answer. During the course of his remarks, the Major stated that the duties of a protecting force were of a most fatiguing and arduous nature, and it was therefore unwise to utilise more men than -were absolutely necessary in this class of work. There was a slight tendency to that fault during the afternoon, hut that was the only fault he could find with the operations. Major Sandtmann then presented Captain Evans with his commission, and, in so doing, stated that no one could help being struck with the marked improvement that had taken place in the squadron, since Captain Evans had assumed command. He congratulated the squadron on possessing such a capable and zealous captain, and exliorted them to assist him and the other officers to enhance-tlie already high reputation that the East Coast Mounted Rifles had attained. The Major then presented a certificate of efficiency to Sergeant-Major-Spragg for signalling. He also presented certificates to Sergeant Hughes, Corporal Walker, and Corporal Camovon. , , . Major Sandtmann. then remarked that he had a very pleasing duty to perform, which was the presentation of a New Zealand volunteer 12 years continuous and efficient service medal to Sergeant Ellis. In pinning the medal to the tunic of the recipient, tlie Major assured the members of the squadron that' he considered the winning of this medal carried a _ much higher distinction that one received by a member of any expeditionary force, such as these despatched to South Africa at tlie time of the Boer war, for instance. In the case of an expeditionary force, it was largely a question of luck. Many men who were anxious and willing to go to South Africa had duties to perform at home which precluded them from getting away. Many men had received medals in South Africa who had only served one year, and who were by no means efficient in drill or volunteer training, but the man who had served 12 years continuously and who had been efficient throughout the whole of that lengthy period was more entitled to recognition than the. man who had perhaps distinguished himself by one act of bravery on the battlefield. He hoped Sergeant Ellis would live long to wear tlie medal, and trusted every member of tlie squadron would earn the same high distinction. After again thanking the officers and men or the squadron for the manner in which they had responded to the call to arms, the Major left tlie hall, and the parade was dismissed.

Staff Sergeant-Major Burr arrived m Gisborne on Wednesday morning last, has given lectures 'at the Garrison Mall On “The Service of Protection and “The Methods of Conducting Staff Rides.” It was observed that Staff Sergeant-Major Burr was wearing the New Zealand' volunteer 16 years continuous and efficient service, medal, which lie received at Napier a fortnight ago. ... ' .. Among the visitors at the parade uas Captain Burton, of thpWoterinary Department,' Captain Zachariah, of the Gisborne Defence Cadets, and Captain Hardy, Ashburton Mounted Rifles.