This year, 1885, marks the retirement from command of the battalion of one who could be ill spared. Colonel Everett sent in his resignation towards the close of the year, and with this episode it may be as well to bring this history to a conclusion. In Colonel J. Everett the battalion had found just the man they wanted, and just at the time most needed. Energetic, self-reliant, a first-rate business man, and of great command of temper, he used all these valuable qualities for the new duties which he had undertaken. He found the seeds of good well sown in the battalion, of which he accepted the command in 1866; but they wanted developing. Never had a better class of men, as a whole, more willing or, as things were at that time, possessing more general knowledge of drill than the 1st Administrative Battalion Wilts Rifle Volunteers, been offered to a young officer fresh from the service. Systematic drills, discipline, and cohesion were what were required, and so Colonel Everett was not long in discovering that these could never be attained by following old courses. Regimental camps and a turn occasionally at Aldershot, or in camp with regulars, were the only panacea; and by patiently continuing these, the battalion has become one worthy of the encomiums ever passed upon it by authorities, and of being of use in the defence of the empire, should its services ever be demanded. The following copy of battalion orders dated December 15, 1885, is given: "It is with much regret that Colonel J.F. Everett now takes leave of the 1st Wilts Rifle Volunteers, after commanding them for nearly twenty years, and he will always look back with pleasure and satisfaction to his long connection with them; and though it is with great reluctance that he relinquishes the command, yet it gives him much consolation and satisfaction to know that it devolves on the Earl of Pembroke, the next senior officer, and one who has always shown as a subordinate officer a perfect example of strict obedience and all other good qualities which a soldier ought to possess; and who, by position and knowledge of the military profession, is in every way fitted to take command of the battalion. "In conclusion, Colonel Everett begs to thank the officers, non-commissioned officers, and men of the battalion for their uniform good behaviour, good discipline, and attention to his orders during the many years he has commanded them, and he hopes they will always endeavour by their good conduct and discipline to make themselves more efficient year by year, and to increase the already good reputation which they bear. "By order. "(Signed) J. Hume, _Major and Adjutant 1st Wilts Rifle Volunteers_." Finis.