PETERSFIELD.
The annual inspection of the Third Administrative Battalion took place at Corhampton Down, on Tuesday, the 4th inst., when the undermentioned corps were present, viz.:—The 7th Hants, Fareham; 8th ditto Bittern, Botley, and Bishopswaltham; 12th ditto Petersfield; 17th ditto Titchfield; 20th Wickham; 21st ditto Alton. The battalion reached the ground about half-past twelve o’clock p.m., when they piled arms, fell out, and refreshed, after which they fell in and were drilled by the Adjutant (Cook) for about an hour. They then formed up and received the Inspecting Officer, the Hon. Lieut.-Col. J. L. Colville, with the usual salute, and then marched past in open and quarter distance columns, after which a variety of battalion movements, with skirmishing, was performed. At the conclusion the Lieut.-Col. addressed the battalion, stating that he was pleased with the performance of the day, and should be happy to report their efficiency to the Secretary of State for War, and added—the deployments and columns were well executed, but there was room for improvement in their skirmishing. Each corps then marched to their respective parades, having again refreshed themselves (which the excessive heat of the weather rendered highly acceptable) started for their respective houses. Great numbers of country people and visitors, from the surrounding rural district assembled upon the down, and were evidently surprised and delighted at the first volunteer display witnessed in this locality.