Morwell Rangers

Gazette 15th March 1901

The half-yearly inspection of the local section of Victorian Rangers was made on Tuesday night, 12 inst. Owing to the hall being engaged by the A. N. A. at the time it was wanted by the Rangers, some slight inconvenience was caused to the inspecting officers, Major Irving, who is in command of the Victorian Rangers, and Lieutenant - Colonel Rodd, and the corps generally. The inspection was a satisfactory one, reflecting much credit upon Lieut. Hall and Sergeant Major Kearn.

Major Irving remarked at the conclusion of the inspection that the men were very well up in their drill, but he was not pleased with their accoutrements, which required a little more "elbow grease." All the stains upon the leather could be easily removed, and when they once produced a "shine" it would not wear off. One of the corps was absent, and he would like to draw the attention of the Sergeant - Major to that fact and get him to inquire into the reason of his absence. There was another important fact which he wished to particularly impress upon all the members of the corps, and that was the review that would be held in Melbourne on the occasion of the visit of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall. In all likelihood they would go into camp for a week and he would like every member to be present on that occasion, which would be one of the most memorable and auspicious events that had ever taken place in Victoria.

There would be representatives from the other States present, and members from the defence forces of New Zealand and Canada would be among them who would parade on that occasion. In the interim he would like them to be regular in their attendance at drill, so that they would be able to take part with credit with the very best men selected from the other States. The Rangers were only a small body, but they should endeavour to show that they were able to attend drill, and acquit themselves with credit when taking part in one of the greatest celebrations that had ever been held south of the line. They had nearly two months to prepare, and in that time they could accomplish a great deal in the way of efficiency. They would all be treated well during the week they were in camp, which he thought would perhaps be in South Melbourne, but he could not speak definitely on that point.