The Sun.
London, England, 1860-12-22 00:00:00

THE VOLUNTEER MO VEMENT.

The Volunteer class at llythe, which has just concluded
its course of instruction, i 6 the largest that has ever been
at the School of Musketry. The total number present was
96, of whom 32 are captains, 13 lieutenants, 14 ensigns, 24
non-commissioned officers, and 13 privates. The shooting
of several of the best marksmen was of the highest order,
especially at the longest ranges. The " figure of merit" at
the lower ranges was 45.02, or just about the average for
Volunteers, which for the last five courses has been 45.20.
The average for the same number of courses of officers of
the army is 44.06. The officers of the army, however, enjoy
two great advantages in being allowed preliminary firing,
by which rifles may be sighted, and because the time they
are under instruction is longer than that for Volunteers.
The highest figure for any one section on the present
occasion was 51, and the lowest 40.1, and it is highly
indicative of the intelligence and attention of these 96
men, as well as of the excellence of the system of instruc-
tion under General Hay, that not one of the whole num-
ber is left in the third class ; that is to say, either in the
first or subsequent trial every one has been able to make at
least 15 points in 20 shots from 150 to 300 yards. The prizes
subscribed for by the members were as follows :—A Whit-
worth rifle, value £25, for the greatest number of points
from 400 to 900 yards. This was won by Corporal Hoare,
of the 9th Glocester, who (though a young man and with-
out any previous practice) made the very large score of 36
points. Next, a Westley Richards rifle, value £l5, for the
greatest number of hits from 400 to 900 yards. This was
won by Captain Macgregor, of the London Scottish, who
scored 31 points in 28 hits. The third prize was a cup,
value £5, for the most points from 150 to 300 yards, which
was gained by Capt. Gough, of the 23d Staffordshire, who
scored 32 points. On Tuesday, the class under instruction
dined for the last time together at mess, when the usual
loyal and complimentary toasts were given, and the varied
colours of the uniforms from all parts of the kingdom
made the scene one of great interest. In a short time
these Volunteers will be scattered throughout the country
bearing with them, every one, a very pleasant recollection
of the fortnight passed at llythe.
The cadet corps attached to the 7th Middlesex (Islington)
Rifles have been now furnished with their arms, consisting
of a short Irish constabulary smooth-bore rifle and bayo-
net complete, proportioned to the height of the boys,
and weighing between six and seven pounds. This is the
first cadet corps which has been supplied with an effective
weapon, but to prevent accidents to the boys themselves or
to the public the nipples of the rifles have been plugged with
lead. On Wednesday last the corps marched out for the
first time with their arms, preceded by the drums and fifes
of the City Militia, and under the command of their drill
instructor, Sergeant-Major Hornby, late of the Rifle Bri-
gade. They started from head-quarters at about a quar-
ter to three, and proceeded along the High-street, Isling-
ton, through the Liverpool-road, to Highbury-terrace,
where they halted for a short time, returning by way of the
Holloway-road to head-quarters, and, after again halting for
refreshment, marched to the City-road bridge, where the
thew three cheers. They
band left them, the boys giving
were then marched back to head-quarters and dismissed,
after giving three cheers for Sergeant-Major liornby. A
great number of people had assembled throughout the line
of route, who cheered the boys as they passed, the ladies at
the windows waving their handkerchiefs. The corps, which
now numbers about 40, march well, and bids fair in a short
time to be very efficient. The drill of the 7th Middlesex
has been suspended until the Bth of January. A Volunteer
ball in connexion with the corps will take place at the
Freemasons' Tavern on the 23d of January.
The Colchester corps having exceeded the number requi-
site for one company, the effective members met on Wed-
nesday evening and formed 2 companies of equal strength.
Lieutenant Green was promoted to the command of the
newly-formed company, and a meeting was called last even-
ing (Friday) for the nomination of the other officers.

_ -
On Thursday evening about 250 volunteers and their
friends mustered in the Corn-exchange, Braintree, Essex,
and presented to Mr. Basil Sparrow, captain-commandant
of the Braintree and Halstead United Corps, a magnificent
silver cup of the value of £7O as a recognition of his ser-
vices as captain of the above corps and a proof of the esteem
in which he is held in the neighbourhood.
With the countenance and support of Lord Harry Vane,
11SI.P. for Ilastings, and a large number of the gentry of
Battle and the neighbourhood, the corps which was lag
year enrolled in that town progresses most favourably. On
Wednesday afternoon the corps was presented by Lady
Vane and the ladies of Battle and the vicinity with hand-
some silver bugle, bearing the motto "Pro aris et focis
and in the evening there was a grand entertainment, given
by Lord Harry, in the great hall of the Abbey. Lord H.
Vane presided.

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post free for two stamps, is descriptive of every construe.
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I. OYAL ENGLISH OPERA, COVENT-
GARDEN—under the ManaLYement of Miss LOUISA
rYNE and Mr. IV. HARRISON, Sole Lessees.
THIS EVENING, BIANCA, THE BRAVO'S BRIDE.
Miss Louisa Fyne. Miss Thirhvall; Mr. W. Harrison, Mr.
A. Lawrence, Mr. H. Corti, Mr. St. Albyn, &c.
Conductor—Mr. Alfred Mellon.
And a DIVERTISSEMENT.
Doors open at Seven. Commence at Half-past.