OE MILITIA AND VOLUNTEERS.

G.—No. 14*.

V

A very marked improvement has taken place since last year, and I must make special mention of the Scottish Company, who are a well-drilled smart corps, and must have displayed unusual zeal to have reached their present state of efficiency in the short time they have been formed. The Naval corps is composed of young and active men; they drilled well, and also made good practice with their howitzers. A considerable interest has been manifested in class-firing this year, as will be seen in another part of my report, and five representatives went to the Colonial Prize Firing, one of whom (Hoskin) was the third highest aggregate scorer for the Champion Belt. * Peovince of Taeanakx There is only one corps of Volunteers in New Plymouth, which is newly raised, but making good progress. It is mostly composed of young men, who have already acquired considerable knowledge of their duties in the Militia. Patea. This district is partly in each of the Provinces of Taranaki and Wellington. The Carlyle Light Horse and Patea Rifles are only small corps, composed of settlers who can ill afford tho time necessary to make themselves efficient, and do not evince much interest in their duties. The Wairoa Light Horse and Rifles are more zealous, have provided themselves with uniforms, and appear anxious to learn their drills. Peovince of Wellington. On 31st of March, 1871, the Volunteers (including Cadets) of this Province numbered 1,702, of whom 1,434 earned capitation; and on the 31st March, 1872, there were 1,581 enrolled adult members, of whom 1,382 were efficient. They are divided amongst the following districts ;— Patea ... ... ... ... ... 45 Wanganui ... ... ... ... ... 247 Rangitikei ... ... ... ... ... 390 Wellington and Hutt ... ... ... ... ... 627 G-reytown ... ... ... ... ... 130 Masterton ... ... ... ... ... 142 1,581 Wanganui. The Aramoho, Alexandra, and Wanganui Cavalry Corps paraded together for my inspection in May, and showed they had derived some benefit from the instruction imparted by their new Drill Instructor. It is very difficult to collect the members of these corps at any specified time, as they are composed of settlers in the country, who reside a long way from each other. The Veterans and Wanganui Rifles drilled well together; the latter is a new corps, and deserves great credit for the advancement they have already made. Several of its members attended class-firing, two being representatives at the Colonial Prize Firing. The Wanganui Cavalry also furnished two competitors out of the whole number (7) allowed for the Colony, for the Cavalry Colonial Prize Firing ; and one of these, Sergeant Cummins, had the honor of winning the first Cavalry Champion Belt that has been shot for in the Colony. Rangitikei. This district contains four troops of Cavalry and six Rifle companies, which, on 31st March, 1872, amounted to 390 men. The same good spirit which I mentioned in last year's report continues to be exhibited in this district. The Cavalry are all well mounted and display much interest in their work, whilst the Rifle companies are equally zealous. Many of the corps have provided themselves with new clothing, and amongst the number the Turakina Rifles, whom I had occasion to except from the general good report of this district last year, but who are now improved. The Manawatu Rangers is a new corps, and is progressing satisfactorily. I was glad to observe that the release of the Militia in this district has been no detriment to the Volunteer movement, but has rather increased the esprit which has existed for so many years. Tho Victoria Troop sent one representative to compete for the Cavalry Champion Belt. Wellington. In March, 1872, this district comprised one Artillery and thirteen Rifle corps, amounting to 627 men. The Wellington Artillery still maintain the good state of efficiency which I reported last year. They worked their guns well, and made good shot and shell practice. The attendance of members of corps at parade is very good, which has resulted in a large proportion of efficients. This remark is especially applicable to country corps, where members seldom absent themselves, although they are much scattered. The Porirua Company sent three representatives to the Colonial Prize Firing, the Pauatahanui and Wellington Companies one each. Corporal Carter, of Pauatahanui Rifles, was second on the list for the Champion Belt, besides winning several prizes. The arms are kept in good order, and nearly all the corps have provided themselves with Nelson cloth for their uniform. A new corps of Scottish Rifles has been formed in the Town of Wellington, which promises to be a good one. Masterton. In this district are one Cavalry and two Rifle corps. I regret to say that I was unable to inspect 2>