The Alexandra Cavalry, Wanganui—one of the oldest corps in New Zealand—has a most distinguished record. It took a prominent part with the British troops in the early Maori wars, and came through many a stiff fight with honour to its members and glory to the corps. Pages might be written about the experiences of page 1379 this company, its thrilling adventures, and its heroic exploits, but many of these receive suitable notice elsewhere; suffice it to say that the corps is still to the front amongst the Volunteers of New Zealand, although it has undergone many changes in its ranks. The company's present strength is forty-eight, the officers being Captain Jas. P. Watt, and Lieutenants R. Higgie and A. C. Perry.

Captain Jas. P. Watt, who was born in Wanganui in 1859, is a son of the late Mr. W. H. Watt, of Wanganui. Educated primarily at the local collegiate school, and at Nelson College, the subject of this notice completed his course at Trinity Hall, Cambridge, graduating B.A. in 1881, and subsequently as L.L.B. In November, 1882, he was called to the bar, and practised with Messrs. Stubbard, Gibson and Co., of Leadenhall Street, London, till he came to New Zealand, where he was admitted to the bar in September, 1883. He has since practised his profession in Wanganui. Captain Watt joined the corps in June, 1884, and was elected its captain seven years later.

The Wanganui Rifles is at the present time the senior infantry corps in Wanganui. It is commanded by the following officers:—Captain John P. Watt, and Lieutenants R. Hughes and J. Redmond. The Rev. T. B. Maclean is the hon. chaplain. The corps has a high reputation in colonial shooting circles, and has turned out some of the finest shots in the district. The Champion Rifle Belt has been won by its members on more than one occasion. The company has the regulation number, and is in a high state of efficiency.

The Wanganui Garrison Band, which was established in 1875, has been a very successful institution in connection with the Volunteer movement in Wanganui. Twenty-five instruments are played by the members of the band. The present bandmaster, Mr. J. C. Richardson, has held the office for seven years, having been connected with the band since its inception.

Major Samuel Neill, Hon. Unattached List, New Zealand Volunteers, was born in Ireland, and entered Her Majesty's 65th Regiment of Infantry, in which he served over twenty-three years. He came to New Zealand in 1846, per ship “Pastongeebomongee,” an old East Indiaman, and retired in 1864. Major Neill then joined the volunteer movement, and held the rank of captain for ten years, and that of major for eleven years. He commanded the forces in Patea, Rangitikei, and Wanganui Volunteer districts from February, 1882, to January, 1883, when he retired. Major Neill was at the taking possession of Parakino, on the Wanganui River, in 1865, at Wereroa, at the relief of Pipiriki, and at Pates camp 1868, under Colonel McDonald. He is now in his 71st year.