The Sun.
London, England, 1864-08-16 00:00:00

TEE SUN, LON_UON, TUESDAY EVENING, AUGUST 16, 1864.

TILE VOLUNTEERS.

Among the new regulations issued to the Volunteer force
was one authorizing all " efficients" to wear an " efficient
badge" on the right arm. Lord Hartington has issued the
following circular on the subject to each Volunteer com-
manding officer :
" Sir,—lnspecting officers of Volunteers having observed
a deviation in many cases from the form of badge autho-
rized to be worn by Volunteers as a mark of their classifi-
cation as effieients,' lam directed by the Earl de Grey and
Ripon to call your attention to Article 67 of the Volunteer
Regulations, and to state that the badge in question should
consist of a ring of silver lace round the sleeve of the right
arm above the cuff, passing over any other lace or em-
broidery which may belong to the uniform, and should not
be made in the form of a chevron."
The badge has been worn in the chevron form by many
corps, and it will now have to be altered to a ring.
The annual prize competitions of the St. George's Rifle
Volunteer Corps took place on Saturday last at the butts on
Wormwood Scrubbs. The selection of music played by the
excellent regimental band enlivened the proceedings, and
made them more attractive to visitors than competitions
usually are, and the ground during the afternoon had all the
appearance of a Volunteer fete. The shooting, too, was ren-
dered particularly interesting by several novel features. A
prize of £l5, given by Lord Vernon, was competed for with
five shots at 400 yards, on the Swiss principle of concentric
circles. The target was divided into increasing circles, de-
scribed from the centre, the smallest, or bull's-eye, count-
ing nothing, the others 1,2, 3, and the outer 4—a miss 5.
The lowest score was to take the prize, to which five others
were added for the next lowest scores. The prize winners
were Mr Blaise, 7—Mr A. Crookes, B—Mr Pouncey, 9
Mr Henery, 10—Mr M'Kenzie, 10—and Mr Hummel!, 11,
Four valuable challenge plates were competed for at the
Wimbledon (Enfield) ranges and targets—as the St.
George's Challenge Cup, value 100 guineas, carrying
with it the regimental gold medal—the Turner plate,
value 100 guineas, carrying with it the regimental
silver medal—the Ladies' Challenge Plate, value 50 guineas,
also carrying with it a silver medal—and Messrs Ortner and
Houle's Silver Challenge Shield, carrying with it an electro-
type facsimile. These were respectively won by Ensign A.
Crookes with 42—Private Andrews, 40—Ensign Stewart,
39—and Capt Peel (after shooting a tie with several others)
with 36. The regimental prizes, 26 in number, comprising
silver cups and flasks to the value of £l5O were competed
for, and the topmost scores were made by Private Blaise,
41—Private W. Smith, 39—Private Pitts, 39—and Private
W. L. Hind, 36, who had their choice of the prizes, No. 3
Company won the volley firing prize. The last prizes were
contained in a very large packing case, and were termed
"unknown prizes," as they were to be kept secret until
won. These were competed for as " consolation prizes" by
those who had won nothing. When the case was opened it
was found to contain packets of valuable books, framed
pictures, meerschaum pipes, boxes of cigars, a very valuable
portable chair, dressing cases, and other numerous prizes,
besides a box of champagne, which was to be consumed on
the ground. All the prizes were at once distributed, and
the proceedings closed with cheers for the price donors,
The prize shooting of the 21st Middlesex (Civil Service)
was brought to a close at Wimbledon on Saturday. The
Challenge Cup, value 100 guineas, ranges 200, 500, and 600
yards, 10 shots at each, has been won by Private Plaskett,
A Company, with 81 points-70 members competed for this
prize, The Ladies' Challenge Cup, value 30 guineas, ranges
300 and 600 yards, 7 shots at each, and won by Private
Herries, A Company, with 33 points. Battalion.—The
First Prize of £lO for marksmen, ranges 600 and 700 yards,
7 shots at each, was won by Corporal Taylor, G Company,
with 33 points. All efficient members were entitled to
enter, and Wimbledon targets and scoring were adopted
throughout,
The 7th Surrey Volunteer Corps, which is commanded by
Major Beresford, was inspected on Saturday evening last by
Colonel Ibbotson at the head-quarters, Kennington-lane.
The number present and absent with leave made up an
effective strength of 430, as contrasted with 339 last year,
showing a satisfactory increase. The regiment went through
the usual light infantry movements, and the inspecting
officer, in addressing the corps, expressed his complete satis-
factien with all he had seen, but he warned the members not
imagine that volley and file firing was better for being
quickly d..ne. He said that both officers and the other mem-
bers had shown themselves to be well drilled, and he should
make a favourable report to the War-office. One of the non-
commissioned officers, on behalf of his fellows in rank and
the privates of the regiment, presented the commanding
officer with a handsome and valuable sword as a mark of
respect, and in r, cognition of the gallant gentleman's ser-
vices to the regiment. The complimentary gift was suitably
acknowledged, and the evening's duties concluded with
cheers for the inspecting and commanding officers.
The Ist Hants Administrative Battalion of Rifle Volun-
teers, under the command of Lieut.-Col. Humphrey, M.P.,
and which is formed of the companies stationed in the towns
of Winchester, Andover, Romsey, Yately, and Alresford,
were officially inspected a few days ago by Col. Luard, the
assistant inspector of volunteers for the district, in the park
of Penton-lodge, near Andover, the seat of their command-
ing officer. The battalion was composed ou the occasion
I of the Ist, 11th, 13th, 15th, and 16th Hampshire corps,
numbering altogether 294, of whom 229 constituted the
rank and file, four were captains, eight subalterns, and five
staff officers and 22 sergeants. The various companies were
conveyed by rail to Andover, and marched thence to Pen-
ton, a distance of three miles. The drill lasted two hours,
during which they were put rapidly through a number at
battalion and light infantry movements. At the conclu-
sion of the review the battalion formed into quarter dis-
tance column, and Colonel Luard, addressing them, said he
had been very much gratified by the manner in which they
had acquitted thernselves,:and,he should be enabled to make
a favourable report of theta to the War-office. He also con-
gratulated them on the efficiency of their colonel. As this
compliment to their commanding officer the men raised a
cheer, which Colonel Luard stopped, observing that it was
the only unsoldierlike thing they had during the day. The
inspection over Colonel Humphrey entertained Colonel
Luard and the whole battalion, officers and men, at a sump-
tuous dinner, which was served under a marquee in his
park, the colonel himself presiding. The sight of a volun-
teer inspection was new to that part of Hampshire, and the
day being fine, the neighbours for miles round came to
witness it. Upwards cf 100 had luncheon at the Lodge,
and as many more took tea later in the day.
In Suffolk, the Bungay, Beccles, Loddon, Hurlestonc and
Diss corps were last week inspected on Bungay-common by
Col, Ibbetson. The total number of all ranks present was
296. Col. Ibbetson complimented the troops on their gene-
ral efficiency, at the same time recommending increased
attention to drill,
Several movements may be noticed in Norfolk. On Thurs-
day a competition for some prizes, given by Mr J. Middle-
ten, of Hainford, were shot for on the Mouselwold range by
volunteers of Norwich and Norfolk. The sum presented by
Mr Middleton was £5O, and this was divided into eight
prizes—viz., for the highest totals at the three ranges
selected-200, 500, and COO yards, £l5, £lO, £7, £5, £4, and
for the best score at each of the ranges £3 each. There
were upwards of 100 entries, and Col. Black accepted the
post of umpire, the firing parties being commanded by
Lieut. Asker and Sergeant Major Goswold. Private Brun

ton, of East Dereham, won the chief prize, and Major Holl-
- secured the second. The 590 yards' range prize was
won by Private Dewharst, of Norwich, and the 600 yards'
Prize by Sergeant Bridgman, of Norwich, The Norwich
battalion will be inspected by Col. Ibbets,n on Monday,
Aug. 22. A contest has taken place on the Fakenham range
for a double set of wickets, bats, &c., and a bat for the
second shot, presented by Sir IV. Jones. There were eight
competitors, and the ranges were 200, 500, and 600 yards.
Corporal Martin took the first prize with 34 marks, and
Private Martin the second, with 31 marks. Some prizes
presented by the Mayor of Great Yarmouth, the members
for the borough, and the officers of the battery have been
shot fcr by the Ist Norfolk Artillery Volunteers. There
were 36 entries, and Battery Sergeant Major Mack won
£2 2s and a medal ; Battery Sergeant Baker, £2 2s and
a cup; Sergeant Major Stolworthy, £1 1s; Gunner
Stringer, £1 Is ; Sergeant Cocks and Gunner Bulli-
more, 17a each, and 14 others Ida each. The target was
12ft square, with a 4ft bull's-eye, placed 1,500 yards
from the battery, with a space marked out for an inns

ring, and one for an outer. The target was struck
11 times. The 2d Norfolk Administrative Battalion was
inspected last week at Wymondham by Colonel Ibbetsou,
who expressed his satisfaction with the movements exe-
cuted,

The members of the Lincoln corps, to the number of 120,
have been entertained by Captain Keymouth; several
evolutions were executed under the command of Captain
Swan. A now squad of recruits is about to be formed in
connection with the Lincoln corps. The present squad of
recruits are now going through preliminary musketry drills.
Prizes given by the Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire (Lord
Aveland) have been shot for by the Artillery Volunteers of
the county of Grimsby. The first prize was won by Mr
Robenson, and the second by Mr Blanchard, both of the
Grimsby battery; the third prize was carried off by a
member of the Boston battery. Ensign Waters, of the,
Bourn corps, has resigned his commission.
Some co:npetitiono for prizes have taken place in Cam-
bridgeshire and the Isle of Ely. A valuable chased silver
cup, given by Captain Calthrop, was shot for by the Ely
corps. Several members of the corps having carried off all
the first class prizes it was determined by the donor to
handicap them as follows:—First-class men to fire two
rounds at 200, three at 300, four at 400, five at 500, and six
at GOO yards. Non-prizemen to fire six rounds at 200, five
at 300, four at 400, three at 500, sad two at GOO yards. The
cup was won by Sergeant Joseelyn, one of the prize-holders,
who obtained 51 marks. The 22d monthly competition for
the Wisbech Challenge Cup resulted in favour of Private
Smith, who now holds the cup for the second time. A
return match between the 3d Cambridgeshire (Captain
Liveing's Company and the 17th Essex (Saffron Walden)
has taken place at the Cambridge University range. The
shooting was at ranges of 200, 500, and 600 yards, and the
scores knade were as follows :-34 Cambridgeshire, 315
marks ; 17th Essex, 324 marks.
The inspection of the Herefordshire battalion of Volun •
teers took plate at Ledbury, the inspecting officer being
the Captain and Adjutant, in the absence of Lieut.• Colonel
Fielder, 'acre were eight companies, numbering, with

officers, about 300. The evolutions occupied about three
hours, and at their termination the commanding officer
addressed the battalion in a short complimentary speech,
in the course of which he said he should not have been
ashamed if their evolutions that day had been watched by
any officer of the Line. The Volunteers dined together
afterwards.

An important competition took place last week in Som er_
setshire. The Wells corps, notwithstanding the heavy loss
attending last year's meeting, determined to organise
another, in which they were joined by the neighbouring
corps of Shepton Mallet. The highest prize was £4O, and
the competition was divided into four classes—A and C,
500 and 600 yards, and B and D, 200 and 300 yards. On
the first day the weather was very gusty, and scoring was
difficult. The first prize of £lO was won by Mr Parsons,
Hon. Artillery Company, with 32 points—Ensign Allison,
of Bath, was second, with 29, taking £ls—Private Under-
hill, 2d Oxford, made 28 points, and took £lO. In the B
competition Private Mercer, Bath, took the first prize of
£l5 with only 30 points—Sergeant Cortis, Sussex, the
second, of £5, with a like score. The shooting of the
second day commenced with the C competition. Colonel
Halford, Leicester, took the first prize of £3O with 30 points
only—Captain Williams, London, the second, of £2O, with
29 points—the Rev W. Brown, Exeter, and Smith, Inns of
Court, the third and foutth, of £lO, with 29. In the D
competition Sergeant Compton, South Middlesex, obtained
the first prize of £lO with 34 points, the highest score of the
entire competition—Ellis, of Frame, the second, of £s,with
32. The cup, value £lO, for the highest aggregate score of
the whole competition, was won by Colonel Haltord—and
the second prize of £5, a cup, by Sergeant Clutterbuck.
In Yorkshire four days of last week were occupied with
the annual prize meeting under the auspices of the York-
shire Rifle Association. The meeting, as in previous years,
was held on Sheneall-common, between Melton and York.
The prize list showed 19 distinct contests, for which the
aggregate of the money values exceeded £5OO. This splendid
list brought up over 1,000 entries, the competitors being
from all parts of the county. Upon the whole the weather
has been very gusty and unfavourable for high scoring, the
last day excepted. The list contained prizes for effective
volunteers, for officers, for non-commissioned officers, of
the Ist West York Rifles, for Artillery and Militia, and for
all corners, the latter for Enfolds and small-bores. The
results of the shooting are given below. The Whitworth
rifle, value £25, presented by Colonel the Earl de Grey and
Ripon, to be competed for by three shots at unknown
ranges, had 160 entries. The wind was nearly blowing a
gale, nevertheless great skill was shown in the shooting.
The winner, Corporal Story, Helmsley, made three hull's-
eyes in succession, thereby scoring 12. The first stage of
the Yorkshire Volunteer Cup, in which seven money prizes,
from £lO to £2, were for competition, had 126 entries, of
whom 105 competitors appeared. At distances of 400, 500,
and GOO yards, at each five shots, the lowest score was 18.
The winner was Sergeant Mackereth, Scarborough, who
made a score of 47. During the shooting one of the markers
was wounded in the neck, but not seriously, by a piece of
flying lead from a spent bullet. On the second day the mist
caused much time to be lost by the length of sighting re-
quired. For Lieut.-Colonel Lord Londesborough's donation
of £25 in four prizes, 97 compe.itors came up. These had
seven shots each at 600 yards range, and very good scores
were made. Captain Farrow, of Bradford, was first, with a
score of 21, and Sergeant R, Ward, York, second, with a
score of 20. The four money prizes, in all £37, given by the
city of York, were shot for in any position, with five shots at
400 and 600 yards, No less than 94 competitors presented
themselves. The unusual score of 19, at 600 yards, was
made by Sergeant Ibbotson, of Guisley, who was the
winner of the first prize with a total of 36. The next con-
test was for the great prize of the meeting, and was cone
fined to the 25 best shots for the Yorkshire Volunteer
Cup, first stage. The distances were 650 and 700 yards,
at each range five shots. The first prize, the cup and
£4O, with the champion's medal, was won by Colour-Ser-
geant Dove, of Scarborough, with a score of 29, the second
being Private T. Trotter £10), who scored 28. The winner
of the cup on this occasion was also the winner of the £5O
last year. The next contest was for the prizes given by the
town of Halifax, 11 in number, ranging from £l5 to £2.
Any position was allowed, and the ranges wero 200 to 500
yards, at each five shots. The number of competitors was
93. The winners were Colour-Sergeant Dove, Scarborough,
31; Private C, Golden, Bradford, 34. The opening contest
on the third day was for the York city prizes, second series,
varying from £2O to £3, five shots at 200 and 500 yards.
Sixty-one competitors entered the lists, and, although the
wind was every now and again a hurricane, the shooting
was anything but bad. The chief prize was won by Pri-
vate C. W. Other, of Carperby, who made 2S points. The
next was the All-Comers' contest for smallbore, and the
most remarkable feature in connection with it was the de-
feat of all the most noted shots, who were not even placed.
The weather seemed to baffle them completely, Captain
Heaton doing ao badly that he retired from the contest
after firing a brace of shots at 600 yards, The maximum
score of 20 was not made at all at GOO yards, 19 being the
highest. The gusts of wind and rain were perplexing in
the extreme; and caused not only Captain Heaton, but also
Captain Ross, lialsall (Wigan), Sharman (Halifax), and
Cundy (Rotherham), to retire at the GGO yards' range. The
distances were 500 and GOO yards, five shots at each, with
lany rifle and in any position. The winners were Mr J. B.
Helroyd, of Halifax, and Lieut. Harland, Bridlington, each
37, who divided the first and second prizes. The succeeding
contest was for the Ali-Comers' Enfield prizes, nine in
number, from £l5 to £3, any position, five shots at 400 and
.500 yards, 75 competitors. The wind and rain perplexed
the shots very much, and quite upset all prestige. The re-
sults showed that Sergeant Knowles, of the Guisley, Cor-
porta Blenkhorn, of Richmond, and Lieut. Fryer, of Ley-
burn, tied with 32, and divided the first three prizes. Lady
Londesborough's Cup, value 75 guineas, was the last prize
competed for, and was shot for et 200, 500, and 600 yards
by ten picked men of the Hull and let West York batta •
lions, each man having seven shots at each range. The
result was a victory for the York men, who scored 521,
against 409 for the Hull men. Before separating Colonel
Harman consulted the volunteers as to the range for next
year, and Shensall-common was unanimously chosen again

received the Royal assent on the 23d of June last. The con-
tract for the works had been let to Mr Tredwell, who would
complete them in the shortest possible time, and when com-
pleted they would afford immensely-increased facilities at
reduced cost to the traffic of this company and the Lynvi
Valley Railway Company. By the act the two railway com-
panies became joint and equal owners in the harbours works
at Porthcawl. The purchase for one moiety had been paid
by this company, and the arrangement fixed the Ist August
as the date at which the joint ownership should commence.
The capital account showed that £3,149 had been received
and £20,125 expended, leaving a balance of £3,021.