H.—l9

8

VOLUNTEEES. DISTEICT EEPOET. (1.) Auckland Disteict. I regret that I am obliged to report that the Volunteer Force in this district is, as regards the mounted rifles and rifle companies, very inefficient, and far below the necessary strength. There are only four infantry companies in the district. None of these are efficient, the Hamilton company being the worst. Of these companies only 59 received capitation, and 15 of these were recruits. Of the three mounted rifle companies only 76 received capitation. These companies are much behindhand as regards their knowledge of drill and field work. The instruction in infantry work has been very indifferent. It has been improved by sending Sergeant-Major Instructor Carpenter to Auckland. Great improvement has been made in the Auckland and Ponsonby Naval Artillery, and the Ponsonby company is now quite a good one, having 56 well-trained men in its ranks. The Devonport Navals have been raised, during the year. The A Battery has very much improved, and ranks with the best field batteries in the colony as regards the capabilities of its officers, non-commissioned officers, and men. The instruction in artillery work is good. Lieut.-Colonel Goring, commanding the district, is a very energetic and capable officer. Major Banks, late 12th Lancers, has been most good in giving his services voluntarily in aid of the Volunteers.

Inspection of Volunteer Corps in Auckland District.

T3 © OM '8 fl ■ CO 03 CD §§a ■SH 53 ao o 'I o Auckland District. o a o CD CD Oj CO a H < o a <M O •a "3 CD 43 ca "3 a 13 CD X! "3 a CJ< a Remarks. to CD O o lounted Eifle Corps — Waiuku Mounted Eifles 57| 60 51 41 19 This corps is inefficient. Little or nothing was known of drill or field work. This corps is inefficient. Nothing was known of drill or field work. This corps is inefficient. No proper camp was held. Te Awamutu Mounted Eifles South Franklin Mounted Eifles 3 43 46 33 46 3 57 60 39 35 25 Total ... 9 157 166 123 76 90 laval Artillery— A. Auckland Navals ... Ponsonby Navals ... Devonport Navals ... 3 3 4 87 87 83 90 90 87 45 75 70 82 87 8 3 87 This is a good corps. A very good corps. Lately formed. Promises well; at present inefficient. A good infantry company. I was unable to inspect it this year. B. Thames Navals ... 2 70 72 72 68 4 Total ... 12 327 339 262 237 102 'ield Artillery— A Battery 3 80 83 66 81 2 This is a very good corps as regards officers, non-commissioned officers, and men. lifle Companies— Victoria Eifles Auckland City Eifles ... Hamilton Eifles Te Aroha Eifles 3 3 1 2 50 39 47 47 53 42 48 49 38 29 34 35 29 30 53 42 19 19 This corps is inefficient. This corps is inefficient. Most inefficient. This corps is not efficient, but pro» mises fairly well. Total ... 9 183 192 136 59 133 i ___ Grand Total 33 747 780 587 453 327