22 JUNE 1907, Page 18

THE "SPECTATOR" EXPERIMENTAL COMPANY. ?To TEE EDITOR OP THE °SPROTATOR:1

SIR,—Your readers will, I am sure, be interested to hear some tidings of the men who enlisted in the Regular Army. Twelve joined the Somerset Light Infantry, and their progress will, I believe, fairly exemplify that of all the twenty-six who are now soldiers. Eleven men joined the 2nd Battalion September 27th, 1906, and one on October 10th. All were dismissed drill November 8th, having also performed the recruit's course of musketry—except the last arrived—before that date. On November 16th nine were appointed. unpaid lance-corporals, and another on December 19th. On December 18th all were dismissed gymnasium. Early in February (on 1st, 2nd, 5th, and 7th respectively) four became "paid " lance-corporals, and the three seniors of these passed their examinations for promotion to the rank of corporal on the 13th inst. Finally, no less than eight have found time to win ' second-class certificates of education. I think it will be admitted that the above is a very creditable record,—although one lance-corporal has been reverted to private upon account of a slight irregularity. One thing more. Thanks to your kindness in publishing my letters, Sergeant Martin, our late sergeant-instructor of gymnastics, has succeeded in obtaining suitable employment. Curiously enough, after weeks of waiting in vain expectancy, four offers of employment were received within the space of three days One of our sub- scribers, who desires to be anonymous, most generously sent me five pounds for Sergeant Martin, who but for this timely aid would have been actually in want. I venture now to make this public acknowledgment, in addition to that Already made privately.—I am, Sir, Sm., A. W. A. Por...LocK, Lieut.-Col.