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VOLUNTEERING IN OLDEN
DAYS.
RECOLLECTIONS.
[By Sir Henry Bundey, K.B., Captain
Woodside Rifles from 1860 to 1866.]
The following paper on the old volunteers
was written two or three years ago. It was
to form part of a series that it was propos-
ed to issue in book form. The other sub-
ject intended to have been dealt with was
"Reminiscences of Sport on land and Wa-
ter in the Early Days.'' Fair shooting
was often obtainable on the Adelaide
Plains, especially quail shooting. It would
probably rather astonish some of the pre-
sent residents about Cowandilla and its
vicinity if they knew of the number of
wild duck and teal that were shot close
to their homes, and the numerous beauti-
ful and toothsome bronzewing pigeons bag-
ged on Dr. Everard's section, as it was
then called. The ducks had to be waited
for at night at the broad and shallow
lagoon. The pigeons were in the thick
trees on the doctor's land. The time to
which I am referring is now nearly 60 years
ago. Later, for many years in succession,
the writer spent the Easter holidays on
the River Murray fishing and shooting.
The first of these trips was in 1857. Some
of the incidents would probably be interest-
ing to sportsmen of the present day. The
intention to write and issue the
reminiscences, as previously men-
tioned, had to be reluctantly
abandoned for health reasons. The strain
was found to be too laborious. As, how-
ever, the paper dealing with the old volun-
teers is complete, there is no reason why
it should not be made public. On perus-
ing the following recollections it will be
seen that The Register was a loyal sup-
porter of the three Onkaparinga rifle com-
panies nearly 50 years ago. It is, there-
fore, only a fitting recognition of this help
if the option is given to that paper to
publish them. I wish some one with suffi-
cient leisure and knowledge on the subject
would compose a work treating upon the
whole of the old force. It has distinct
claims to be remembered for its disinter-
ested patriotism and gratuitous services.
I am indebted to the Under Treasurer (Mr.
Gill) and Mr. E. C. Longson for furnishing
me with the correct names of the officers
who commanded the various companies
referred to herein.
—The Early Volunteers.—
Away back in the fifties a volunteer
force of between 1,500 and 2,000 men was
enrolled for the purpose of defending the
hearths and homes of South Australia from
a threatened invasion by Russian troops.
Whether there were good grounds for the
apprehension then entertained I know not
but this I know—it existed, and brought
forth a display of disinterested loyalty to
their native and adopted land highly cre-
ditable to the self-sacrificing men who
banded themselves together, prepared, if
necessary, to sacrifice their lives in its de-
fence. They neither looked for nor receiv-
ed a sixpence for their services; so they
were volunteers in the true sense of the
word. The majority of the men remain-
ed in the ranks until the force was dis-
banded—a period of six years' gratuitous
and often burdensome service, which was
nevertheless cheerfully and faithfully ren-
dered according to their promise at enrol-
ment. I confess to a feeling of sadness
when I remember how many of those I
knew as comrades have joined the great
majority. The one feature that remains
most prominent in my mind is the intense
earnestness that prevailed in the force.
Men of mature years, having many ma-
terial interests at stake, readily shouldered
their rifles and submitted as willingly as
the younger and more enthusiastic men to
the drudgery of the preliminary recruit
drill and exercises. Owing to the absence
of all remuneration comparatively few of
the wages-receiving class were enabled to
enrol in the country corps. These were
mainly composed of young, stalwart farm-
ers, most of whom possessed horses of their
own. Some of these animals were very fine.
When the company udder my command had
to attend reviews either at Mount Barker
or in Adelaide they travelled as mounted
infantry, and a ride of 46 miles (to and from
Adelaide) with the old heavy Enfield rifle
was no joke; but it was done, and done
well, without complaint. I recollect on
one occasion when His Excellency the then
Governor (Sir Richard MacDonnell) attend-
ed a review at Mount Barker, the Woodside
Rifles, mounted as before described, wait-
ed for him and Lady McDonnell at the
junction of the roads near to Grunthal, and
formed an escort, or guard of honour, to
Mount Barker, and as his carriage stop-
ped the men wheeled into line so correctly
as to call forth from His Excellency the
highest compliments. As the act of cour-
tesy on our part was wholly unexpected,
and formed no part of the day's proceedings,
the Governor and Lady MacDonnell were
very much pleased, while we were, of course,
highly gratified with the success of our
loyal venture. I mention the incident to
show the calibre of the men on horseback
as well as on foot. The men were excel-
lent riders. There was praiseworthy rivalry
among them to have their mounts well
groomed and in good condition. It was an
inspiriting sight to see the corps when fully
equipped and ready for a journey. My
own horse, a powerful, upstanding bay,
was a great pet with the company, who,
like myself, were very proud of him. For
years after he was sold (he went to India
as an officer's charger) he frequently form0
ed the subject of enquiry concerning his
wellbeing, &c.
—Scattered Companies.—
The country companies were so scattered
that those of the south knew little of the
northern. These recollections are
therefore confined mainly to the
southern corps, although I knew
many of the city volunteers. In the south-
ern districts there were companies at
Mount Barker, Strathalbyn, Woodside,
Nairne, Balhannah, Langhorne's Bridge,
Macclesfield, Milang, Willunga, and Second
Valley. These are as I recollect—there may
have been others. The. Mount Barker
Rifles were commanded by Capt. Thomas
Paltridge, one of the most earnest and reli-
able officers in the force. It was a pleasure
to work with him, and he was well sup-
ported by his commissioned and non-com-
missioned officers. It is not surprising that
under such a man and staff the men knew
and did their duty. The Strathalbyn Com-
pany had Capt (Dr.) Lloyd Herbert, and
Lieuts. Catt, Stephenson, and Stark—all
competent men. The Nairne Rifles were
first under the command of Capt. John Tal-
lant Bee, and subsequently of Capt. John
Clezy. This company eventually merged
into the Mount Barker Rifles as a detach-
ment, and were then under Capt. T. Pal-
tridge. The Oakbank Company was com-
manded by Capt. A. G. Johnston, who,
with his brother, the late Mr. James John-
ston, entered thoroughly into the spirit of
volunteering; and the friendly rivalry be-
tween the two Onkaparinga companies
tended to the advantage of each. The
following, taken from The Register of that
period, contains an interesting account of
one of these contests:—
—Rifle Match at Woodside.—
"The long-talked-of match between the
three Onkaparinga companies — Nairne,
Oakbank, and Woodside—came off on Mon-
day, the 23rd inst., at the Woodside Range
for the very handsome prizes awarded by
Mr. Townsend, M.P., one of the members
for the district. The morning was usher-
ed in by a heavy and continued fall of
rain, causing many an anxious and disap-
pointed look to windward. Fortunately,
however, about half-past 8 o'clock the wea-
ther broke, and the sun contributed his
cheering influence, although he was chary
of his favours throughout the day, which
was not very favourable for the firing, as
a cold and sometimes rather strong wind
was blowing. Punctually at 10 o'clock fir-
ing was commenced by the Nairne Com-
pany, under the command of Lieut. John
Clezy, and was continued with great spirit
and without intermission by the various
squads till half-past 5 o'clock p.m. The
whole affair passed off in the most agree-
able manner, and without a single unplea-
sant occurrence. The arrangements made
gave universal satisfaction, and all seemed
to thoroughly enjoy themselves. The fol-
lowing were the rules of the match:—Dis-
tances, 200, 300, 400, and 500 yards; five
rounds at each; the two first ranges stand
ing, remainder in any position; no artifi-
cial sights or shades, and no rests allowed
(slings not considered a rest). Competi-
tors not scoring seven points at the 200
and 300 yards range disqualified for fur-
ther competition. In cases of ties the high-
est number of hits to take precedence. The
following are the different scores:—
—Nairne Company.—
Number of competitors, 15; disqualified after
first distance, 9. Score of remainder:—
Yards—200. 300. 400. 500. Ttl.
James Clezy .. .. .. .. 8 4 2 4 18
Samuel Spence .. .. .. .. 7 6 4 4 21
H. Tidey .. .. .. .. .. 6 1 5 * 12
S. Parsons .. .. .. .. .. 4 4 4 * 12
Jasper Bee .. .. .. .. .. 6 1 3 * 10
George Gale .. .. .. .. 4 4 2 * 10
Total .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..83
*Drawn.
—Oakbank Company.—
Number of competitors, 25; disqualified after
first distance, 7. Score of remainder:—
Opt. Johnston ...... S' 2 2 ? 0
ftrt. Fenwfa* ........ 5 3 I ? w
QO. 4ddi»« „ .. I : 7 1 i z a
CJ-L Terrjr ..«....._, 4 4 a ? 11
a. j/wUe ::::;::= 7 « I 5 g
Pte. R..WHK*, _ _ .. 7 6 S 5*1
Pte. F. Ffablock ? 4 5 4 ? J3
Pte. C Borce „ _ _ .. 4 3 2 * 9
Pte. J. Gibbons -. .. .. 4 4 s * 10
£*? U-%fflwth--'- 6 * 5 « 14
Pte. H. (Mbbons ...... S 5 4 ? IS
Pte. James Rowe ...... 5 5 3 ? 13
Pte. B. Gibbon ...... 4 4-3 ? ji
Pte. John Edwards ...... 8 I 1 ? 10
5** £ £'?* - « - ? » * # 12
Pte. T. Pinches ...... 6 1 I ? 8
Ft*, a Bneiry .. ». .. 5 2 3 ? 10
Pte. R. Moan ...... S 3 5 * 13
Tottl .. ..? .. .. .. „ .. „ , — .. '33
?Drawn. ?
? — WomWde Cmnpanji—
Komber of oompctitoo, ss: (Uaqualifled after
Hut dtotBOcea, 10. 8eon of ranotakr:—
Upt Bmdqr ? 4 5 6 8 22
Ucist Itefiat _ « ? s 4 4 * !3
Bet. Bnjtbei ...... ..7 1 4 ? Vi
Cfi. PteuTer .. ^ ». .. 7 3 2 ? 12
Pta. W. Lewi* ...... S 4 8 4 It
Pte. R. Hav ........ 5 7 S » St
Pte. J. Hunter ? 12 6 A 4 27
Pte. 1\. E»u ........ 8 7 O 5 23
Pte. W. Retichkc ? 6 3 7 4 23
Pte. A. E. Bimoty ? 8 3 2 * 13
Pte. J. Fletcher ? 7 4 4 ? 15
Pte. J. Bobimoo _ .... 4 3 4 * II
Pte. iL Bodqr ? 8 4 * * 1*
Pte. M. Alford .. M .. S 3 2 * U
Pte. G. A. WatU .... 5 2 1 * .«
Pte. G. NJemann .. ^ .. 4 4 4 ? 12
Pte. O. O»x ? x. .. 7 1 S ? 10
Pie. P. IiKlb .. -.. ^ .. 5 2 ? ♦ 7
Total .. M * ? «... r. w »? 274
?Drawn. .
'It will be oeen by the. above score that
Mr. J. Hunter was uhe winner of the first
prize (a very handsome gold watch, pre
sented by Mr. Townaend. &LP.), Dr. H.
Esau of the second, (a handsome silver
watch), and Mr. R. Hay of tbe third. (a
beautiful gold pencil case). The excitement
was very (treat at tbe 500 yards range, and
each hit on the target by the compstiton,
whose scores were nearly equal, was hailed
by the spectators with applause, and when
it came to the last round tbere was a dead
silence. Capt. Bundey fired first, and tb*.
ring from the target came back dear' and
distract. The bloe flag was hoisted, amid
a cheer from the lookers on, as tnis was
tbe diird centre be bad' made at this dis
tance, which, with two outers, rjised .hi*
score from 14 to 22, the fourth-best score.
Next came Mr. Lewis, making an outer;
and then followed Mr. Hunter, who was
rather longer than usual in getting into
position, and seemed determined to wind
up with a centre. He sighted too full, and
the ball went fair over, tbe centre of the
target, being his first miss for the day. Dr..
Esau took his position amid, the breathless
auBpcuec of aD, fired, and made an outer,
thus obtaining the second, and leaving Mr.
Hunter winner of the first prise by one
point. .Then followed Mr. K. Hay, mak
ing a centre, amid great applause, and win
ning tbe third prue. On the following
day (Toccday) the Woodside Company
again assembled at ube target to compete
for a portion of tbe company's fund?, and
for a prize awarded by anotberoaptain, and
by Mr. J. Hunter, tbe forttnale winner of
the gold watch the previous day/ The
firing was excellent— ranges third class. The
first match wa» for a fim-rate pigeon pin,
by tbe 'captain, 'and a fowling piece by Mr.
Hunter as a second prize— eomoetitora not
scoring nine points at the first two dis
tances disqualified Tor further competition;
five rounds at each distance. ' The follow
ing was tie score: —
Y«rd*-l£0. SOO. 250. 300. TO.
Sft Huchei --.... 8 7.5 2 23
Cpt. Preiffn- .. 7. ~ .. 4 5 0 7 32
CdI. modut ...... ~ 7 6 4 4 SO
Pte. W. Lewis .. ...... 9 4 8 3 22
lie. R. Hay ? 8 V 0 S 23
It*. A. E. Bonder .. .. 7 4 4 5 * 20
Pte. F. Indis ? 5 5 8 2 18
Pte. J. Thomson M .... 7 4 3 1 15
Pte. U. Alford ...... 8 ' 4 0 3 15
Ite. W. Betschke ...... 6 0 7 t U
Pte. A. Rosenberg M .. 7 4 4 3 18
Pte. G. Bokebnan ...... 6 -n 0 1 V*
Pte. R. PerUin .. .. .. 7. 5 5 1 18
tte. H. Ekau .. -. .. .. 8 7 5 4 22
Ptel J. Itobiasoa ? » 8 4. 2 21
Ptf. G. A. Watt* „ M .. 8 6 3 S 17
Ite. J. Fletcher .. ... .. 8 7 6 4 24
Total ..., w .............. IS
'The average exceeded 20 point*. Sir.
John Fletcher and Mr. Robert Hay made
an equal score, but Mr. Fletcher having
the advantage in the number of hits be
came the winner of the first price. Mr.
Hay taking the second. The second match
was for a portion of the company's funds:
first prize £3, second prize £2, aod third
prize £1. In this match some really excel
lent firing took place. Ranges same as pre
vious match, and same conditions; five
rounds, at each distance. . .
Tardt-UO. SW. 250. 300. TO.
Capt. Bonder ......... 6 0 7 3 22
ftrt. Huebea ? . .. 8 7 5 3 23
CpL Pfeifler ., .. .» - 10 » 4 « 29
CpL Stodatt -—*.-» 5-5 0 28
Pte. W. Lewis .. - . .. I » B (I 30
Pte. H. Eaw .. .. M .. 8 7 7 6 28
Pte. R. liar ........ 8 6 7 3 24
Pte. G. Bakebau .. M '«. 8 « 5 2 a
Pte. R. Pcrtim ? 8 5 6 3 9i
Pte. A. E. Bnadey .... 7 4 5 1 20
Total ? .. « .'. .. .. .. '«»
'Mr. Lewis was tbe winner of the fin*
prize, Cpl. Pfejffer the seoond, and Cpl.
Siodart and Pte, Eran tied for the third
prize; but Dr. Emu having made the
greater number of hit* became the winner
On, the termination of the above match a
sweepstakes was got up at 400 and 500
yards; five rounds at each distance. The
following were tbe highest scores 'made:—
Yudt-MO. SOV TtL
Cant JbhMton .._«..... 5 5 ]0
Cant. Bander - ...... .. M 3 7 10
Pte. W. Lewb ? 8 3 9
—A Truly National Force.—
Considering what firing with the old
muzzle-loading EnfieW rifle meant, it will
be seen from some of tbe scores that'
tbere were good shots among the competi
tors. This contest -was in N6L It will
doubUesA interest the descendants of those
taking part in it ? The Langbome's Bridge
Company was commanded by Capt. J. D.
Oave, with Lieut. Stephenson second . in
command. The Macdcsfield Company first
had Capt. E. H. W. Krichauff, then Capti..
K. Austin and J. H. Coleman, with Lieut.
W. n. liams. This company was even
tually merged in that of Strathalbyn. The
Milane Company was under tbe command
of Capt. W. Rankinc, * capital rifle shot.
The Rankjncs, and, I think, the Starks
were noted for tbehr tine snooting, as were
the .Colemans and Thomas, if I remember
aright. Most of these were members ot
the Strathalbyn Company, and were all
(ine-looking, soldierly men. Gumerach»
failed, to organize a sufficient number to
constitute a separate command, but a
squad under Lieut. AUnut used to come
to Woodside and drill with the company
tbere, and a very earnest and steady lot
of men they were. It spoke well lot their,
zeal that, to do this, they had to ride near
ly 30 miles, going and returning. I think1
Capt.- Atkinson commanded the WiQunga
KiUei, and Capt. Randall the Second Val;
ley Company, but these companies never
m far as I remerotxr attended
the battalion drills at Mount Bar
ker, where the other southern companies
met. .From the preceding observations it
will be noticed what an essentially national
and citizen force these volunteers were. The
same remark is applicable to the metropoli. ,
tan and northern, portion of them. Of -
«HHse. the population of South Australia
was at that time eparae as compared with :
that of the present day: hence the more
credit to the substantial number wbo so .
resolutely stuck to duty. The last record
I have so far as reviews are concerned is .
that of May 24, 1884, by which it will be1
seen that the Woodside Company on that
day was numerically the third strongest
on tbe field. The Kapunda Mine Rifl&i
(Chpt. CHdhara), with 108 rank and file,
and tbe Gawler Kiver and Salisbury com
bined companies (Cant. Lindsay), with 5).
were the two highest. The following is
the list of the corps, with the names of
their commanders, and the number of men
attending the manoeuvres:—
Rank and File.
Port Adelaide Rifle* (Orpt Addison) ? IS
Pint. Adelaide Rifles (Capt. Lower) .. .. 40
Glee Onnond and Mitcbam Rifle» (Sfct- Schonke) 4
Adelaide Rifle. (Capt Clark) .. .. .. .. 30
Xunao Pan But Rifles (Capt Pattenon). .. U
West AdelaKe Rifles (Capt Baker) ? 3»
Start and Brighton Rifles (Capt Burton) .. SS
Fir* Q»mitt Rifles (Capt llartJn) ? S2
Gawler Volunteer* (Chpt Qcflvie) ? 'SO
Eastern Suburban Rifles (Ueut Weir) .. .. 11 1
Uoont Barker Rifles, with Xarine detach- !
nvnt (Capt Paltrifee) ? 33;
Trilhmea Rita (Capt Atkinson) ? 11
Sttatlalbrn Rifles, with HscderteM and Lang
bnrie't Bridge detachment* (Ueut Catt) .. 55
LpxfeeB Valler RMes fCapt Winton) .... 22
Kapunda Rifles (Capt TackflaU) ? 40
;;o. 1 Brifhton Rita (Lieut Feathcntonc) .. Hi
Vircfan* R'Or* (Cup*. BtrndntatO ? 20 1
Wondride Rie«s. with Balbaimah Machrocnt
(Otpt Bundeyj ? «-'
Tearcce flnU.r RWei (Utni. ll«ine») ? MJ
Cawlrr Rirer Riflef. with Salbbory Rifle* !
(Capt. UMtay) ? .' ? M
Kanunda Mine nife* rCapt OldhaqO ? '''
niHiaimtown Rtflea (Opt. Warren) .. - .. WS
tfleneie Vita (Capt Slran«cwiy») .. - ?? '-=,
r;ty CiOes (Capt Shawyer) ? - .. »!
Adelaide Artlllcn- (Caot B!aekh*m) .. .. .. «
R«xfl-e* Ovslrr (Cat FerRtMSM) ? 21
Port A*Wi«e ArtniCTT (CSapt. Onlnn) .. ..21]
RefiiDenUl Band (Baadmaster Herdecke) .. IS
With the staff officer* and supernumeraries
added this is a total of over. SOO men of
all ranks; and when it is remembered that
many of these bad already served their
country gratuitously for over six years it
must be admitted that it vas a highly cre
ditable muster. The batallion was under
the command of that fine old citizen sol
dier. Lieut.-Col. Mayo, respected and be
loved by us nlL At this Uate Col. Biggs
was at the bend of the staff. In the Staff
Office was Mr. E. C. Longson the well
known broker, and a more efficient and
useful officer was not in the service. Alert,
possessing a knowledge of every corps and
their commanders, he iras always ready
and willing to impart information and af
ford assistance. Hi* bold and distinct
handwritinir was instantly recognised, as
he conducted moat, if not all. tin otticul
correspondence. The following are the
names of the Woodside and Oakbank rifle
men who, . were under my command at
this review. These name? are -published
so that it may bo a pleasant memory to
many who arc still living, and a subject
of just'pride to the descendants of those
who have left ust-Iieuts. Whitficld and
Ferry, Sgts. W. F. Hughes (Bgt. Hughes
was one of the best sergeants in the force.
He was my right-band man. He is still
alive and prosperous, I anr glad to say),
Cpfe. Inglis and Addison. Ptes. J. John
son. J. Edwards, A. Brown. J. Caraec, P.
Ockenden, F. Anthfr. C Bradley, B I . Rom,
J. Powell, T. Mount. C. Boyac. R. WiUon.
J. McDonnell, W. Boyoe, H. Bbourne, S.
M. Bodey. A. Lutz, J. Bobinscn, EL Sa
vige7T?SinSerson7 J. AKord, S. Wilson,
A/Hay, A. E. Bundey. R. Perkins, J.
Bodty. J. Morrus, A. Boehm, and F. Inglis.
Ihe day. was perfect, and. the
manoeuvres were a prcnouncei futew; but,
a* the Woodside Rifles had I nd-kn 23 mfles
that morning to attend the renew they
were not sony, as may be supposed, when
they were dnnused.
—In Real Bomest.—
It must not be thought that the force,
alwavs had a 'pleasant time of it. M*nv
sneered at and ridiculed their efforts
wlio would have been only too glad of their
services had the anticipated danger arrived:
bat that seema to be a chaiacteruUc of
tbe Britisher everywhere, and is well sa
tirised by Bndyard KipHng. It was not
safe, however, to express contempt in the
hearing of members of tbe force. Tney
were in too deadly earnest; and, conscious
that they were bestowing all and receiving
nothing, they would- not tamely brook in
sult. More than one chastisement follow
ed when such a thing was attempted.
Ultimately great respect was the result. It
was admitted that tbe drilling and being
taught to think and learn to obey greatly
improved the young men Physically and
mentally, and made them feel they were
Entitled to respect. Moreover, friendships
were* begun, many of which have lasted
through life. The rifle contests, company
drills, ffhq1' fights, and other, outinn in
terested the ladies, and the annual bail was
looked forward to by each company as a
great event, and by the members of the
other sex as a still greater one. Nearly
every company bad either a brass or drum
and fife band. The Woodside Rifles bad
a fair one, of the latter kind, and inspirit
ing music it is to' march to. /'Many, a
slouching gait was corrected, and young fel
lows who formerly found nothing to oc
cupy their minds in seeking tbe township
brightened up and stepped out to a stirring
march tune, proud and conscious tiat they
wore fiR Queen's uniform, and were pre
pared to defend tbe country if necessary.
I have no hesitation, in saying that the
country volunteer companies were in many
instances the source of material benefit to
their members.
—Interesting Rifle Matcbes.-t
I took pkurt in several mteresting^ rifle
matches during my service as capUin of
the Woodside Company, but the most ex
citing was one I was forced into somewhat
against ray will, either after a Teview, data
firing, or a company contest. I am not sura
which. It wan at the old butts on the
?outh - park lands. . A number of
the Woodside Company were 'chumming'
with a number of the Eapunda Rifles;
rhear captain (Opt. Egerton). a fine,
handsome, soldierly, man, and I were also
'chumming.' We always cot on well to
gether, were about the same age; and bo^b
earnest and enthusiastic over our volun
teer duties. We were at one of the re
Fresmcnt tents and presently we mw
both our squads approaching. They came
to teU ot tint each party was of opinion
that its captain was the beat shot; and,
as everything was in readiness at the butts,
would we mind a friendly contest- to de
cide tbe point. It was slyly suggested,
too. that the stakes should be Refreshment
for all bands, the distance to be 200 yards,
standing. I at once -declined, .and almost
angrily asked my fellows why they had
been so foofish ns to fix s- abort range as
a test, knowing. a» they did. that I was,
not a cood shot from the shoulder, al
though I sometimes did fairly well at long
ranees. However, ..the- would not hear
my remonstrances, but coaxed me into the
trial. My opponent was a good standing
shot. Accompanied by our men, all Quite
excited over the contest, we went to tbe
butta; and, as we were both in uniform,
and known to many other volunteers, quite
a number gathered to watch u». Speaking
from memory— 1 have no record— the
following was the result. Capt.
Kuerten fired fir*t. and op want the blue)
flatr. He had made a centre amid the
quiet applause of his squad. I followed
uith the some result. His next shot was
a oaitre. £o wan mine. Hi* third was
a buUseye, and tbe excitement was now
inten*c. I thought it was all over,
when, after mv next shot the red or dan
ger flag was shown, and the two markers
vent to view the target. On returning, the
red-and-whit* flag was hoisted. T also
bad main a bullscye! This was the signal
for a demonstration by the onlookers. We
were both affected by the prevailing excite
mnnl. My opponent's next shot was a'
white. Here was my chance; but I foiled
to take advantage of it. makm; a wh'te
also. Ms next was a centre. So was mine.
Hw fifth was also a centre. So was mine.
His sixth was a bullscyc. So was mine. Hw
seventh was a centre, and mine a white.
Thus I lost the match. It must not be for
gotten that this shooting was with the oW
Enfiekl muzzle-loader. The targets were
small, and tha buUseye and centre wene very
diminutive as compared with' those of mo
dern days, I understand; I have never fired
at any of the latter. 'I do not say it wi
anything -extraordinary -at such1 a ?compara-
tively short range, even with thc.^nnefd;
but I do say it was so for roe; I nan
never tired so well from the shoulder be
fore at a contest. There is possibly little
of interest to outsider* to read of a match
of this kind, but it was intensely interest
ing to the respective companies, and prob
ably it is remembered to this day by some
of those who witnessed it. It was mich an
event as this that helped to keep up a
friendly rivalry between the various corps.
.—Uniform and Men.—
Each cqmpany was aflowed to choose } he
colour of its uniform, and there was a con
siderable medley in consequence. The
Woodside Rides chose a light grey, vejy
nearly approaching the present favourite
khaki, but the make was wholly different
from the latter an now worn, being clovc
fitting to the body, with brasj button*, an
unsuitable headdress in the shape of a cap,
with a white cover in the summer. The
presfot loose khaki and fe'.t hat form an
admirable working dress for our summer.
In the Woodside Rifles were a number of
German-born men and some born of German
parents in Australia. There were no. more
regular attendants at drill, or more-relBib«
pivot men than they were, and fine spirit of
comradeship between them and the British
and colonial-born was as complete as could
be. All walked they were 'AutfcraKins.'
and enrolled to defend their adopted or
native land. ? I do not remember ever hear
ing a jealous or ungenerous national remark
from anV member of either nationality.
That is the spirit that should be infused
md fostered in the present day. Many of
these worthy men have 'crossed the bar,
hut their children have doubtless been in
formed of their fathers' membership in the
company. To thc6 their parents' okl com
mander, sends bis best greetings, and hopes
and believes that, should the occasion ever
?rise, they will emulate the excellent exam
ple set to them .and apply to themaohres,
no far as Australia n concerned, the words
of the great Scottish, poet—
Breathe* there a man with mm] so dead,
- Vho mrrer to himself hath Hid,
Thii it my own, mj- native Imd?
—for. Australia is their native land, and
has the' first claim on their loyalty .und
affection. I have no fear but they will
recognise tins to the full, and act accord
ingly. It has been a labour of love to put
these few notes together, for the relation
Bliip between the company and their cap
tain was of. such a nature as to make the
remembrance of it one of the pleasantest
memories of his life. They have been pen
ned primarily for those of the members
Kill living, and the descendants of those
that are gone; but it was thought that it
mijth'. not be uninteresting to other* as
well to be told of the spirit and efforts
Of the old-time volunteers, who . SO
rears ago banded themselves together to
meet an expected foe, and this without fee
or reward. Speaking from conviction, and
not with the least intention of boasting, I
believe any enemy that tended on our
chores would have found them no mean
opponent*. A* mentioned at the opening,
their one great characteristic wok earnest
ness, with a let determination to give a
good account of themselves if the emer
gency' arose.
$