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Title: Fifty years of volunteering : the army of regulations
Author: Slater, H. (Henry)
Published: Whitcombe and Tombs, Christchurch, N.Z., 1910
FIFTY YEARS OF VOLUNTEERING
THE ARMY OF REGULATIONS.
BY Lieut.-Colo>tel H. SLATER, V.D.
Christchurch, Wellington and Dunedin, N.Z.;
Melbourne and London
WHITCOMBE AND TOMBS LIMITED.
1910.
PREFACE.
In February last I was requested to give a short narrative of the Volunteer Movement in Canterbury, but on looking through the somewhat voluminous notes I have collected, practically covering the existence of the Volunteer Force in New Zealand, I felt I could not do justice to the subject within the limits of a newspaper article. I was also impressed with the very excellent work succeeding generations of Volunteers have done for the State during the last fifty years; work, which I venture to think, should be brought to public notice before the old Force is forgotten. After consideration, I was of opinion it would be better for the “varying fortunes” of the Volunteers to be told by themselves, by giving the number present at the principal parades, camps and manoeuvres, by extracts from leading articles and other Press notices of the Volunteers, and also by quotation from the reports of Inspecting Officers. Though these notes mainly refer to the Volunteers of Canterbury, they may be of interest to our comrades in other parts of the Dominion, for their experience has probably been similar to ours. It is not claimed the Canterbury men have been better than others, for they were like men as ourselves, no better and no worse, and a record of Volunteers in other districts would no doubt be much the same. Time has compelled me
4
PREFACE
to leave out many things one would have liked to record, such as the evolution of rifle shooting from the days of the muzzle loader, to the magazine rifle now on issue, the good work done at the old Garrison Library, and continued by the present District Officers’ Club, and so forth.
Throughout, the personal side of Volunteering, during the last half century, has been left severely alone, and only when necessary the names of officers mentioned. The pleasant memories of past comrades, of camp life, and social gatherings “belong to another story,” though when recording these dry notes, they have frequently been brought to my mind. The rather copious extracts from the contemporary Press are given, for, as a rule they are the reflex of public opinion at the time, and emphasise the “varying fortunes” of the Volunteers during their existence.
HENRY SLATER.
Christchurch, N.Z.,
June, 1910.
CONTENTS.
Page
Year
1859 7
1860 , 8
1861 9
1862 11
1863 ... ... ... 13
1864 16
1865 ... ... 19
1866 ■" 20
1867 21
1868 ... ... ••• 25
1869 ... ... ... ••• 28
1870 30
1871 ... ... ... 32
1872 ... ... ... 33
1873 34
1874 35
1875 37
1876 ... ... ... 38
1877 ... ... -• "• 38
1878 ... ... ... ••• ••• 38
1879 ... ... -. 40
1880 ... ... ... ••• 42
1881 ... ... ... ... 43
1882 ... ... ... ... ••• 50
1883 63
1884 ... ... ... ... ... 55
1885 ... ... ... ... ... 55
6
CONTENTS
1886 ... ... ... ... ... 60
1887 63
1888 ... ... ... ... ... 66
1889 ... ... ... ... ... 69
1890 ... ... ... ... ... 73
1891 75
1892 80
1893 82
1894 84
1895 86
1896 ... ... ... ... ... 90
1897 ... ... ... ... ... 92
1898 ... ... ... ... ... 96
1899 ... ... ... ... ... 101
1900 ... ... ... ... ... 105
1901 112
1902 ... ... ... ... ... 123
1903 128
1904 ... ... ... ... ... 132
1905 ... ... ... ... ... 139
1906 ... ... ... ... ... 144
1907 150
1908 ... ... ... ... ... 156
1909 ... ... ... ... ... 162
1910 171
Fifty Years of Volunteering.
THE ARMY OF REGULATIONS.
Now the old order has given place to the new, one, who has served for forty-five out of the fifty
years Volunteering has existed in Canterbury, will be pardoned for recalling the varying fortunes of Volunteers during that period, and the Acts and Regulations under which succeeding generations have served.
1859.
The permission by the Imperial Government for the formation of Volunteer Rifle Corps in England was granted on May 12th, 1859, and the movement quickly spread to this Dominion, for the “New Zealand Gazette,” No. 21, of July 6th, 1859, contains an Order in Council constituting the Militia District of Christchurch, which was to consist of the area contained “in a circumference of a circle, the radius of which extends 15 miles from the present Land Office in the Town of Christchurch.” The same “Gazette” contained an Order in Council making regulations under which Volunteers would he accepted. In transmitting this “Gazette” to the Superintendent of Canterbury, the Colonial Secretary stated the Government would order arms for the whole Colony.
On Friday, the sth August, 1859, a meeting was held at the Golden Fleece Hotel, Christchurch, to
8
FIFTY YEABS OP VOLUNTEERING
consider the steps necessary to be taken for the formation of a Volunteer Corps. The chair was occupied by Captain H. A. Scott, who had been appointed by the Government to command the corps. At this, and an adjourned meeting, the business was interrupted by a noisy and objectionable individual who had served in the ranks, and after some correspondence in the local papers, the attempt to raise a corps was for the time being abandoned.
1860.
In April, 1860, the papers were full of details of the war in Taranaki, and the excitement caused by the news no doubt greatly assisted the Volunteer movement. Several letters appeared in the local papers advocating the formation of Rifle Corps, and, on the 19th April, 1860, a public meeting in accordance with notice given by Captain H. A. Scott, the Commandant, was held in the Market Hotel, Christchurch. Captain Scott was chairman, and Mr. John Ollivier, who represented the Provincial Government, read extracts from the Militia Act, 1858, and the names of those who had signed the requisition for a meeting—lss in number.
A Committee, consisting of Captain Scott {ex officio), Messrs. F. Guiness, H. W. Packer, J. Ollivier, C. W. Bishop, J. J. Ballard, W. Lockwood, H. E. Alport, G. Dickenson, W. Harrington, G. Willmer, W. Atack, and J. B. Stansell, were appointed to decide as to uniform and make by-laws, which were to be on similar measures to that adopted by the English Volunteers. Forty fresh names were added to the list, making a total of 195.
A few days afterwards a public meeting was held at Lyttelton, and 130 joined.
9
FIFTY YEARS OP VOLUNTEERING
The Committee appointed to decide on uniform recommended that temporarily it should be a blue serge tunic, serge trousers, d la pegtop, with black leather leggings and knee cap, black belt round waist, and black cloth cap, the price to be from £2 15s. to £3. After some opposition this was agreed to.
On the 3rd May, “in spite of a cold dull wintry day,” 90 men were sworn in as volunteers by Captain Scott in Hagley Park, and classes for drill were formed. The following day Captain Scott swore in 95 Volunteers at Lyttelton, and on the 4th June 60 persons were enrolled at Kaiapoi to form a corps in that district.
On June 16th it was stated 400 able men had been enrolled in Volunteer Corps, about one-fifth of all men liable to serve in the district.
For some time the new corps appear to have stuck well to drill, but on the 23rd June we get the first “growl”—and not an unreasonable one —namely, that the men were still without arms.
On the 13th September the Christchurch Companies mustered in uniform in the Market Place, the band being in attendance “enlivening the scene with strains of martial music,” and marched to Hagley Park. Having been formed into hollow square, officers were elected, Mr. James Atkinson being selected as Captain of No. 1 Company, and Mr. Thomas Wollaston White as Captain of No. 2 Company. Officers had been elected the previous day for the Lyttelton Corps.
1861.
With officers, band, and uniform, the Volunteer movement in Canterbury became established from
FIFTY YEARS OF VOLUNTEERING
15
this date, but it was not till the 3rd January, 1861, that rifles, accoutrements, or ammunition were issued, and then only ten rifles to each Company.
The scope of these notes will not permit dwelling on details of the doings of the first Volunteers in Canterbury—their parades, rifle matches, balls, and concerts to raise funds, etc. It may be mentioned that the corps turned out strong on the occasion of turning the first sod of the Lyttelton and Christchurch railway, though it was described as “one of the worst days of the worst of Julys that it has been our lot to pass in Canterbury.” The order of the procession is given in the local paper: the Volunteers are placed thus; “Volunteers armed,” “Volunteers unarmed.” There were still only fifty rifles, but the men who carried them fired a “feu de joie” and gave a “present arms which would have gained them credit even on Woolwich Common.”
In September, 1861, Major H. A. Scott, the Commandant, resigned, and Captain T. W, White was promoted Major and to command the district.
At this date, owing to the rush to the Otago goldfields, the ranks were considerably thinned, and the excellent spirit which at first obtained amongst the Volunteers consequently suffered. Matters were not improved by men having to buy their ammunition, for though by the regulations each Volunteer was entitled to 90 rounds, it was held by some Government official that ammunition could only be supplied to the number of rifles on issue, consequently in one corps of 100 men supplied with 20 rifles, the ammunition for 80 men had to be paid for. Volunteers in those days were not used to the ways of Government officials; their successors painfully obtained that knowledge.
FIFTY YEARS OP VOLUNTEERING
11
1862.
In December, 1861, there was “a great improvement remarked” (in the Volunteers) “now there was a full supply of rifles,” hut the good times had not yet arrived, for on the 12th February, 1862, an Order in Council appeared containing New Regulations (the second) for Volunteers, also a letter signed “William Fox” to Lieutenant-Colonel H. C. Balneavis, D.A.6., stating the issue of New Regulations for Enrolment of Volunteers necessitated the disbandment of the present force; this was to be communicated to the respective Commanding OflSeers of Volunteer Corps, with His Excellency’s best thanks for services rendered. “The new regulations had been framed with a view to the further encouragement of the Volunteer movement, and to the permanent establishment in the Colony of a Volunteer force on an improved basis, and it is earnestly hoped that they will lead to the attainment of so desirable a result.”
This was the first attempt to make a force by regulation; it has been tried many times since, but not by “regulations” alone can it be done. And so ended the first period in the history of volunteering in Canterbury. The material was excellent, nearly all were young men from the Old Country, a large proportion of whom had come to a new colony seeking a life of adventure, and so they were probably among the first to rush to the goldfields. During the year and nine months the corps had been in existence, they had manfully stuck to their work, with only a small proportion of rifles per corps (until within a few weeks of disbandment), without capitation, and all expenses borne by the members,
FIFTY TEARS OP VOLUNTEERING
17
it cannot be denied that as a voluntary force, they set a good example to their successors.
The Volunteer regulations of 1862 provided there should be no limit of service, but that volunteers should be entitled to discharge on giving one month’s notice. No Volunteer could be compelled to do more than 168 hours’ drill during the year. Troops and companies of 60 men were entitled to receive annually from Government £75.
On the 22nd February a meeting was held in the old Town Hall, with Mr. John Hall, R.M. (afterwards Sir John Hall) in the chair. The Chairman, when opening the proceedings, remarked on the defenceless position of the Province—twenty-four hours (he said) might bring notice of a rupture with the Federal States of America.—(N.B. —This was over the Trent affair.)
The citizens, though talking bravely—as on occasion they have done subsequently—were evidently alarmed. Speeches were made by the big men of the day and resolutions passed. And doubtless the meeting dispersed highly pleased at what they had done, or rather said, for the defence of the Province.
Men were enrolled under the new regulations “in a fair number” at Christchurch, and also at Lyttelton, but evidently, according to the local papers, the new corps were not filling up as anticipated. In one paper we read “if the public really intend to assist in raising an efficient body of men for the defence of their homes and families, it is their bounden duty to come forward to assist in carrying out the movement, either by giving their personal services, or pecuniary aid to those who may require it to join the corps.”
FIFTY YEARS OF VOLUNTEERING
18
The only outcome o£ the public meeting held on the 22nd February was the appointment of a Committee, which, in its report, suggested that merchants, bankers, etc., should allow Volunteers leave on Wednesdays at 1 p.m. for the purpose of attending parades, and that subscription lists be opened for providing prizes for shooting; also that the Provincial Government should grant not less than £5 per man.
There is little recorded of the Volunteers during the remainder of the year 1862, which is a sure index that little was done. Thatcher, who visited Christchurch at this time and catered for the public by singing “Topical Songs,” naturally selected those subjects which would please his audiences. The following is a verse from one, which was heartily encored: —
‘ ‘ Six officers out of fourteen men I saw there,
To urge on eight privates to glory and fame;
There was no less than five or six coves in the law there
For this Regiment, the ‘Devil’s Own,’ is the right name
JL V/* lUIO XK'gIUU/Ulf, UUV V' t* u u, l/uv 1 6 U But they find that so few now with valour are burning, TM_l 1 J 1 T 1L „ I, f J
Disheartened besides by the little boys ’ jeers.
Their arms back they seriously think of returning,
It’s a regular farce with these brave volunteers. ’’
It is evident that by this time all fear of war with America had been dispelled.
1863.
In February, 1863, a letter from William Gisborne to Lieutenant-Colonel Balneavis, A.A.G., appeared in the papers as a Government Notice. It stated the Government regretted Volunteers had not enrolled. Without imputing blame to any in the past, it pointed out the course the Government intended to pursue in the future. It assumed the new Regulations were not generally acceptable, hut
19
FIFTY YEARS OF VOLUNTEERING
the Government were disposed to make reasonable modifications, which those who wished to serve might indicate. It was further stated that 1750 uniforms had been ordered from England, which would be furnished free, if Provincial Governments contributed one-third of expense. Arms, accoutrements, and ammunition would be supplied, drill instructors provided, and proper firing ground laid out. The advantage of a Volunteer Force to a Militia was pointed out, also the inexpediency that the Volunteer movement should he conducted simultaneously with calling out the Militia. The letter concluded: “It is, however, impossible that such a state of affairs should permanently continue here, in which neither the Colonials voluntarily enroll, nor the Government take any steps for calling out a Militia, and the Government fully trusted that when their intentions with respect to the organisation of a Volunteer Force were generally known the accessions to these corps will be such as to render them creditable to the Colony and effective for that object which so vitally affected the Colonists themselves.”
And since this notice was published in 1863 the Volunteers have stood between the Public and a Militia Force, a fact which has rarely been recognised.
On the 28th February the “Lyttelton Times” confessed Volunteering “in the Canterbury Province has hitherto been a decided failure.” It pointed out, when referring to the war of secession in America, “the first cause of failure was the election of officers by the rank and file.” “The substantial injustice which lies at the root of the whole system, but which is not so apparent in a time of general
FIFTY YEARS OF VOLUNTEERING
20
enthusiasm, becomes very obvious in a country where every man’s time is of so much value. Dick and Tom go about their own private business untroubled by any call of patriotism, because Harry and his friends have carried arms. The willing and zealous are mulcted for the sake of the selfish and indolent. As soon as the duty is felt to be a burden, this division of labour will not be tolerated.” “The burden of volunteering has not fallen on those who are probably best able to bear the loss of time and money involved.” “The disinclination to join the force arises from the manner of electing officers. ”
The writer was probably Captain Crosbie Ward. If not, he must have approved of the article, or it would not have appeared in the “Lyttelton Times,” but whoever wrote them, they are words of wisdom, and at last, after forty-six years, we recognise that all should serve, and officers should not be elected by the men they are to command.
Thursday, July 9th, 1863, was appointed for the festivities in honour of the marriage of the Prince of Wales and Princess Alexandra, “for twenty-four hours the rain had descended in ‘torrents,’ but the 9th of July proved a lovely day, bright, balmy, and beautiful.” A procession was formed near the North Town Belt on the Papanui Road, in which the different trades, and friendly societies were strongly represented, but the Volunteers do not appear to have taken part. At 11 a.m. the procession moved off and marched through the town to the South-east corner of the Town Belt, where two oaks were to be planted. On arrival the various functionaries took their places on a platform, the ground being kept by a guard of honour composed
16
FIFTY YEARS OP VOLUNTEERING
of Volunteers, under the command of the Adjutant. After an address by his Honour the Superintendent and prayers by Bishop Harper, the trees were duly planted and the proceedings terminated.
On August Ist orders were received by Captain and Adjutant Armstrong, to forward to Wellington without delay all arms, accoutrements, and ammunition in store, and in the hands of the Volunteers. The ease was described as urgent, and was consequent on the native troubles in Taranaki and Waikato.
Notice was given by the District Office on the 7th August that weekly parades would be discontinued until further orders. The arms that had been recalled, and with which the Volunteers had been supplied were the Long Enfields.
1864.
Without arms, and with parades discontinued, naturally, the corps sank to the lowest ebb, and it is not a matter of surprise to read the report of the holiday on the Queen’s Birthday, 1864, which refers to the Volunteers as foliowsOur gallant rifles excited by a loyal spirit, not the less strong we are sure, because it beat in but few bosoms, repaired to Sumner and fired for prizes.” On this occasion one officer and thirteen privates turned out.
But the revival was at hand. On June 29th, No. 1 Company turned out, 30 strong, for drill, and it was stated, “It is gratifying to note that some interest is now being taken in the movement, and that there is every probability of a good rifle corps being established.”
No. 2 Company also woke up, and “an attempt was made to renovate the latent embers in the Volunteer movement in Lyttelton.”
FIFTY YEARS OF VOLUNTEERING
22
On the 17th August the two Christchurch companies “signalised their restoration to a state of efficiency by marching through the town.” The combined strength of the companies was 120.
“The movement spread apace.” On the 16th September there were 350 on the roll in the Province.
A Notice from the District Adjutant requiring persons within the ages of 16 and 55 to give their ages and places of residence, in accordance with the Militia Act had a salutary effect.
On October 13th it was reported steps were being taken to form a Cavalry Corps, and that gentlemen had been nominated as officers. The Engineers Company were already between forty and fifty strong, and promised to be a great success. No. 4 Company continued to receive an accession of members, fifty members having been sworn in. A new Company was in formation at the Heathcote Valley, and No. 6 Company (now the City Guards) were also in course of formation with a present strength of 75 names on the roll.
The movement received further impetus on the 24th November by the leader in the “Lyttelton Times” on that date, referring to a report, brought by the last English mail, that the Emperor of Russia had laid out a plan to attack the Australian Colonies, if the Poles had been supported by the English, and that “whether true or false, its effect on ourselves will be wholly beneficial if it leads our population to realise the idea that exertions for local defence are to be made in earnest.”
On the 16th December —Anniversary Day—on the occasion of laying the foundation stone of the Cathedral, over 400 rifles were present “in most inclement weather.”
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FIFTY YEARS OP VOLUNTEERING
In 1863 the ladies of Canterbury obtained from England, as a gift to the Volunteers, the Colours which now hang in the Officers’ Club Eoom, at King Edward Barracks. When they were received the small number of Volunteers then enrolled did not justify the presentation, and for many months they were laid by. The sudden, and rapid increase in the strength of the Canterbury Volunteers in 1864, was, however, considered an opportune time to give the Colours, and it was decided to make the presentation on Anniversary Day. The conditions of the weather, however, caused the ceremony to be postponed to the 27th December, on which day the Volunteers paraded at Kohler’s Cricket Ground on the Lincoln Road. The presentation was made by Mrs. Bealey, the wife of the Superintendent of the Province. The muster on parade in the ranks was 300, the ground being kept by the unarmed members of the new Christchurch and Heathcote Companies, it was reported, “but had some of our Yeomanry been present this service must have been far more efficiently performed.”
On the 29th December the services of Artillery for Lyttelton were accepted.
1864 may be called “the Volunteer Year.” The interest then aroused has never since been equalled. On the Queen’s Birthday only thirteen men and one officer paraded at Christchurch, yet so rapid was the revival, that seven months later there were in North Canterbury 16 officers and 700 men. When the population of the Province at that time is considered (18,931 males of all ages) it will be admitted volunteering has never since reached the proportions it attained in 1864.
FIFTY YEARS OF VOLUNTEERING
24
1865.
During 1865 the Volunteers fairly held their own, though finding gold on the West Coast caused many vacancies in the ranks. The Provincial Government imported 250 stands of Lancaster Rifles, and senior corps exchanged their Enfields for the Lancasters.
The Canterbury Volunteers held the first Volunteer Camp in New Zealand at Easter, 1865, the site chosen was at Hillsborough. On Saturday, the 15th April, the force went into camp, and returned to headquarters on the following Tuesday. There was little military work done beyond ordinary camp duties, a Church parade on Sunday, prize firing, and review on Monday, the completion of the firing, and a Cavalry race on Tuesday, were the principal events; 315 of all ranks were present. A second encampment on the same site was held from December the 15th to the 19th, 1865. It is of this Camp, and the famous “battle” of Hillsborough, that old Volunteers love to talk. This was the first “sham fight” held in Canterbury. The report states “The men were so impetuous that nothing could restrain their ardour. The skirmishers were driven in by the Cavalry as if it were a duty to ride over them, the skirmishers in return poured in blank cartridge as if they were defending their lives with musket balls, the charges were made with the bayonet as if the enemy were really to be mown down out of the way, and prisoners were captured by main force, and even resisted capture, as if it were not in orders they were to be defeated. With all this a pretty list of casualties was soon run up.” After giving the worst of them the report concluded: “We have dwelt upon these accidents because they form a feature in a Field Day, which the Volunteers
20
FIFTY YEARS OP VOLUNTEERING
will do well to omit for the future. They will be wise to moderate their ardour in pursuit and defence.” The total number of all ranks present was 396.
In August, 1865, at a meeting of Volunteers, it was resolved that a Committee for general purposes be appointed from the Christchurch Companies, to be comprised of one officer, one non-commissioned officer, and one private from each Company. Standing orders were drawn up for the conduct of business, in fact it was a small parliament. It lasted a few years, but it was not conducive to discipline.
1866.
The Volunteer Act, 1865, came into force on the Ist January, 1866; this repealed all volunteer regulations made under the Militia Act, 1858, and its amendments. Appended to the Volunteer Act was a Schedule of Regulations, being the third set for the discipline of the force since its formation in 1859. By the new Act the capitation payable was not to exceed £3 per annum for Cavalry, and £2 10s. per annum for Engineers and Rifles —or other Volunteer corps. Officers were not to receive commissions until they had obtained a certificate under the hand of the Commanding Officer of the District, or Adjutant of the Permanent Staff, that they had passed an examination of efficiency in drill, and were competent to perform the duties of their office.
The Act was certainly a step forward, though as a matter of fact the examinations were of a most perfunctory nature.
Several country corps were formed in 1866, among them the Leithfield, Oxford, and Woodend Companies. The two first had but a short life. In the
21
FIFTY YEABS OP VOLUNTEERING
same year the Canterbury Rifle Association was formed, and the first meeting was held on December 28th and 29th at Hillsborough.
1867.
On January 11th, 1867, it was announced in Orders that Volunteers were to hold themselves in readiness to attend on Sir George Grey at parades, and as guards of honour during his visit to Canterbury. This excited the Volunteer General Committee, who, despite the protest of one member who considered the Committee had no power to interfere in the matter, requested the Staff-Sergeant-Major to state his views on the subject of the duty on the Volunteers on the occasion.
Sir George Grey landed on January 14th, and was received with honour, the Volunteers being greatly in evidence. During his visit the different Companies furnished a guard and sentries over His Excellency’s residence (Melville House), taking the duty in rotation, until after the Levee on the 18th January, when Sir George requested the Officer Commanding the District to withdraw the guard from that date, with his thanks for the services they had performed.
On the 2nd February an article in the “Lyttelton Times” refers to the Volunteers thus: “We have in them a body of men, who, by devoting time and trouble to their duties, relieve all the rest of the community from the like necessity. We have dispensed with a Standing Army, and hope never to see one again. We require no scheme of compulsory service, or training for ever so short a time. A certain number of our citizens having taken the duties upon themselves, without any prospect of
FIFTY TEARS OF VOLUNTEERING
27
reward, beyond the credit of having performed a useful service.” “But it does not by any means appear that the Volunteers of Canterbury have received anything like that hearty support from the general public to which they are undoubtedly entitled.”
The reason was not difficult to fathom—there was no “Militia Funk” or “War Scare” at this date.
The Volunteer Review in honour of Sir George Grey was held in South Hagley Park on February Bth, 1867, 515 on parade, spectators estimated at between 3000 and 4000.
From letters in the newspapers, it appears at this date there was some discontent among the men, caused by “official bungling.”
The second meeting of the Canterbury Rifle Association was held at Easter, 1867, on “portion of Mr. Peter Kerr’s run” on the sandhills.
Lieutenant-Colonel T. W. White, who resigned on the 28th February, was succeeded in the command of the district on the Bth June by Lieutenant-Colonel H. E. Reader.
On July 25th, 1867, the Volunteer Committee reported with much regret that the Provincial Council had withdrawn the usual capitation allowance.
The Volunteer Force was fast falling in the estimation of the public. “Economy” wrote on the 3rd August complaining of the pay to the adjutant.
“Nine-tenths of the general public will agree that £4OO per annum for an Adjutant was at least £3OO too much.”
On the 24th September the Annual Report of No. 1 Company noted the “gradual decline of the Company.”
FIFTY YEARS OF VOLUNTEERING
28
In October, when the House of Representatives were in Committee of Supply, the item, “Canterbury £37-49 15s. for Militia and Volunteers” was reduced to £2322 Os. Bd., on the motion of Mr. Cracroft Wilson, C.8., who was then a Captain in the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry. He remarked, “that nobody could have been more interested in the Volunteer movement than he had been; he had spent a great deal of money in forwarding the movement, but the truth was the people had ceased to care for it.”
A requisition to the officer commanding the Lyttelton Artillery from the members of No. 1 Battery shortly after the reduction of the capitation allowance, asked for an alteration in the day appointed for the monthly adjutants’ parade, Saturday being most inconvenient. The requisition continued, “As the recent action of the Provincial Government in withdrawing all Capitation Allowance, coupled with the diminution of the General Government Grant, owing to Captain J. Cracroft Wilson’s interference, combined to render members unwilling to submit to the pecuniary sacrifice they would have to make in complying with the existing regulations.”
1867 was one of the “bad years” for the Volunteers. At the commencement the men turned out in strength for the Review held by Sir George Grey, and received praise on all sides. Shortly after Colonel White resigned, and Major Paeke, who was in command of the District, tendered his resignation —apparently through pique—though this was withdrawn, he does not appear to have turned out again during the year. On the Queen’s Birthday, Captain J. Cracroft Wilson, then in command of the District,
29
FIFTY YEARS OF VOLUNTEERING
in addressing the men, said “he was gratified with the manner they had acquitted themselves, and that if he continued to hold the command, they might depend on his placing his best energies at their service.” Soon after we hear of a requisition to Colonel Reader, on his return from England, asking him to accept the command “in the interests of volunteering,” and after he had been gazetted, Captain J. Craoroft Wilson’s name is conspicuous by its absence from the parades of the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry, and also at the dinner given to Colonel Reader by the corps. Notwithstanding the Provincial Government had withdrawn all aid from the Volunteers, Captain Wilson moved in the General Assembly that the Capitation Grant for Canterbury should be reduced one-half, and the pay of the Officer Commanding by two-thirds—this was carried. We can scarcely credit that it was the fault of the men that induced Captain Wilson, in so short a period from his addressing them on the 24th May (five months), to say “the people had ceased to care for the Volunteer Movement,” especially when we consider the five months covered the worst season of the year for volunteering. It appears more probable there was “soreness” over the command of the district, and whilst the heads were disputing over this, the Volunteers were hound to suffer. Again, five of the most active Volunteer officers resigned within a short date of each other, and one died. The loss of active officers, combined with the serious reduction in the capitation, also had a depressing effect on the men. On the whole, we must feel the Volunteers of 1867 were more to be pitied than blamed for the falling off at the end of the year.
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FIFTY YEARS OF VOLUNTEERING
1868.
On January Bth, 1868, Lieutenant-Colonel H. E. Reader was appointed to the command of the Wellington Militia District, and on the 20th of the same month, Major Packe was promoted LieutenantColonel, and given the command of the Canterbury District, and Captain J. Cracroft Wilson received a Majority—so we may presume all were satisfied.
Notwithstanding, the papers report, “the continued bad attendance at the monthly inspection” and that the Defence Office had given orders to enforce the fines provided by the Volunteer Act.
In February, 1868, No. 1 Company C.E.V. were converted into an Artillery Corps, and are still with us as the E Battery, this corps having preserved its continuity for the fifty years Volunteering existed in Canterbury.
The first Cadet Corps in this Province was formed in March, and was named the “St. John’s Cadets.”
On the 17th March the following resolution was passed in the Provincial Council: —“That under the present financial circumstances of the Province, it was expedient to discontinue the expenditure for the maintenance of the Volunteers and Militia,” and “That a copy of the resolution be forwarded to the General Government, with a request that the expenditure of the vote of £2322 6s. Bd. appearing on the Estimates of the Assembly at the last session as a charge against the Province be discontinued as soon as possible.”
On March 22nd news was received of the attempted assassination of the Duke of Edinburgh at Sydney by O’Farrell, and March 30th was set apart as a General Thanksgiving Day for the recovery of the Duke. About 400 Volunteers
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FIFTY YEARS OF VOLUNTEERING
paraded on this occasion, a creditable muster, considering the treatment they were receiving. “The Cadet Cavalry Corps” made its first public appearance at the parade.
The third Annual Meeting of the Rifle Association was held at Hillsborough at Easter.
The Volunteers at Headquarters were inspected by Colonel Haultain, the Defence Minister, on May 11th. Each corps was taken separately, the inspection occupied from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.—224 of all ranks paraded. No. 2 Company had so small an attendance that Colonel Haultain “could not have the pleasure of seeing them drill under their own officers.”
On the following day Colonel Haultain inspected the Kaiapoi, Rangiora, and Saltwater Creek Companies, at their respective quarters. At Woodend the muster was so poor that the Company was at once dismissed—9B of all ranks were inspected.
On May 13th the Lyttelton Artillery were inspected and gave the Colonel “complete satisfaction.”
Over 400 men attended Colonel Haultain’s inspection in 1868, not a bad number considering the population of the Province at that date, the miserable amount of capitation allowed by the General Government, and the snubbing the Volunteers had so recently received from the Provincial Government.
On the Queen’s Birthday the Volunteers turned out in great force for an attack on Lyttelton, climbing the hillside in the face of a bleak sou’wester. A local paper of the day states “the greatest order and discipline prevailed throughout the whole proceedings.”
FIFTY YEARS OF VOLUNTEERING
32
A meeting of the Volunteer Committee was held on August 14th. The chairman had called an Extraordinary Meeting, “as it had become a patent fact that the Committee was deteriorating very rapidly, and was beginning to be looked upon as an ornamental appendage to the Volunteer Force.” It had yet to struggle on for a short time.
The papers of September 21st contained an account of the disaster at Te-Ngutu-o-te-manu, where Von Tempsky and others were killed. A circular was issued from the Government, asking if any men would volunteer for active service. At a meeting of the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry on the 22nd September, Captain Moorhouse presided, and in the course of his remarks, he pointed out the circular did not call on them; it was only an invitation. He did not think matters were in such a position as to really require them in another part of the Colony; if so, he would be one of the first to go, and he had no doubt the whole corps would volunteer to a man. There were plenty
of gentlemen in the North Island who had no more business engagements, no more ties of family, or other responsibilities, than themselves, and under these circumstances they could not expect Volunteers from elsewhere. He would leave members to follow their own course, but he believed that none of them would shrink from fulfilling their duty when really required, and the public would think the same. After discussion, Captain Moorhouse was requested to answer the circular as he thought most advisable.
A Volunteer Camp was held near White’s Bridge, on the Waimakariri, from November 7th to 10th. 260 men were present.
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FIFTY YEARS OF VOLUNTEERING
Under the most disheartening circumstances the Volunteers of 1868 did good work. Without assistance from the Government, two encampments, Woodend, and White’s Bridge, were successfully carried out. A most useful field day was held on the Queen’s Birthday. Colonel Haultain’s inspections were, as a whole, well attended, and the work done so as to gain his commendation. Cadet Corps were started in conjunction with adult corps, and progress made in rifle shooting.
It is amusing to note how rapidly the opinions of the Government changed during the year as to the value and usefulness of the Volunteers. At its commencement, the General Government estimated the value of an efficient Volunteer at 12s. 6d. per annum. The Provincial Government in March thought this 12s. 6d. too much, and passed a resolution asking the General Government to discontinue the pittance granted. But within six months the Government was anxious to obtain men from the force, to leave their families and occupation, for active service in the North Island.
1869.
The Canterbury Rifle Association held its annual meeting at Easter,lB69 at Hillsborough. There were many complaints of the range, but “the difficulty in procuring land in a central position was so great, that a better site could not be obtained.”
In April, 1869, the Duke of Edinburgh visited the Province. The Volunteers turned out 350 strong, and during the Prince’s visit, furnished escorts, guards of honour, etc.
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FIFTY YEARS OF VOLUNTEERING
It is due to the men of that date to give the District Order which appeared in the daily papers in April, 1869:
DISTRICT ORDER.
The following letter from His Honour the Superintendent of Canterbury is published for general information: — The Officer Commanding the District takes this opportunity of thanking the Officers, Non-commissioned Officers, and Volunteers belonging to every branch of the service under his command, for the ready and cheerful manner in which they have carried out the duties they have been called upon to perform during the visit of His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh.
It is a source of great gratification to him to have seen the smart and soldier-like appearance of the Cavalry Escorts and Orderlies, the different Guards of Honour, and the, Guards who mounted at the residence of His Royal Highness.
He has much pleasure in adding that not one single case of misconduct has occurred, neither has any complaint been brought under his notice, and that the general behaviour of the whole force has been such as to deserve his most entire satisfaction.
GEORGE PACKE, Lieut.-Colonel,
O.C. Canterbury Milit. and Volun,
April 24th, 1869.
Superintendent’s Office,
Christchurch, Canterbury, N.Z.,
April 20th, 1869.
Sir, —
I have the honour on behalf of the Province to tender you my thanks for the arrangements made by you as O.C. the Volunteers, during the visit of His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, which have tended so materially to the preservation of good order and to the satisfaction of all concerned. I desire at the same time to place on record the high sense I entertain of the cheerful and efficient manner in which the several bodies of Volunteers performed their duties; and of the personal sacrifice made by them in giving their services on this occasion.
I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your obedient servant,
WILLIAM ROLLESTON.
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FIFTY YEARS OF VOLUNTEERING
And thus the Volunteers heaped “coals of fire” on the heads of the Representatives of the Province, who had asked the Government to withdraw the miserable 12s. 6d. from each efficient Volunteer.
On November 29th, No. 2 Company C.R.V. were disbanded, and the commissions of the officers lapsed. The Oxford Company had broken up some time before, and generally the Volunteers were on the down-grade—the treatment they had received was beginning to tell on the force.
On the 16th December, 1869, there was (what was called in those days) a “sham fight” in Hagley Park, 210 of all ranks present.
1870.
In January, 1870, Colonel P. Harrington, the newly appointed Inspector of Volunteers, visited Canterbury, and held inspections of the various corps. The attendance was poor, in the country corps, this was accounted for by nearly all the men being busily engaged in harvesting—the season at any rate justified the excuse.
A camp was held on Peter Kerr’s run at Easter, 1870. The Corps present were the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry and Cadets, Christchurch Artillery, Engineers, Nos. 6 and 8 Rifles, the latter a corps formed in 1869 under the name of the “Royal Irish.” The numbers were weak, and owing to the Rifle Association holding their Annual Meeting at the same time on the range adjoining the camp, many volunteers elected to shoot in preference to work in the field.
The “Lyttelton Times” of the 18th April, when referring to this encampment, remarked: ‘ ‘ The manner in which men have stuck to their colours during some three years of most discouraging
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neglect by the General Government, is worthy of every commendation, but it is too much to expect it to continue, at least in such a degree as to maintain the Canterbury Volunteers in anything like their original strength. The influence of reduced pecuniary aid, so reduced indeed as to give the term ‘Capitation Grant’ almost a mythical application, has gradually become more perceptible, until from sheer inability to procure renewals of clothing, with other indispensable necessaries, and but few having spare cash to provide them personally, the staunchest supporters of the movement have become so disgusted, that even an encampment now fails to call them into active work again.”
The year dragged on with monthly parades with gradually decreasing numbers. The Provincial Government voted the sum of £5O to assist in defraying the expenses of a Volunteer encampment. Even this was opposed, one member not being ashamed to make the following remarks:—“He thought volunteering was very well as an amusement, but he scarcely thought that any good would result from it. He was of opinion that if the Volunteers were required for active service, they would be found to be of very little use indeed. (Hear! Hear!) If they desired to parade on Oxford Terrace, it did not follow the public should bear the expense. He must say he praised the conduct of the late Government in resisting small votes of this nature.”
An encampment was held at Sumner at the end of 1870. The capitation had been raised, and there was a considerable increase in the number. The report of this Camp says: ‘‘the ‘variable’ regulations had also had the effect of discouraging the
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FIFTY YEARS OF VOLUNTEERING
men.” (In October, 1870, new regulations were issued, the fourth set.) It is worth quoting the following from the same report; “Of the undertakings prosecuted by the Canterbury Volunteers during their variable career, nothing reflects greater credit upon them than the Camps of Instruction which had been held at short intervals. First to establish them in the Colony, and ever zealous in carrying them out, they have obtained a most honourable distinction above their comrades in other Provinces, and it is a distinction they are certainly hent upon maintaining.”
1871.
Colonel P. Harrington carried on his inspection of the various corps during the encampment.
At the last parade the men were addressed by the Superintendent (Mr. W. Rolleston), who said he felt that volunteering was not a matter of small importance, but he believed it was the beginning of a great national movement, which would result in nations, in the future, being universally armed. He was quite sure that if they were to be one united Colony they must have a Colonial army, and this movement he took to be the beginning of it.
Both daily papers spoke with praise of the work done, and the evident desire of the men to make themselves really efficient.
In December it was notified that the Secretary of State for the Colonies had intimated that with a view to give a distinct recognition of the position of the Colonial Forces as a portion of the Military Force of the Empire, it was proposed in future to insert in the Army List the names of all officers of Colonial Militia and Volunteers.
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FIFTY YEARS OF VOLUNTEERING
A Camp was held at Selwyn from the 30th December, 1871, to 3rd January, 1872. The attendance was poor and little practical work done.
1872.
The Colonial prize firing was held at a range on Major Wilson’s estate at Cashmere, commencing on the 2nd April, 1872. Colonel Harrington was present during the meeting, which was concluded on the 11th April.
On April 22nd Colonel Harrington commenced his Annual Inspection in the Canterbury District. The corps were all weak in number, it was years before the Volunteers recovered from the past treatment of the Government; indeed it was not until another generation grew up that men joined in any number, and the record of the Canterbury Volunteers during the “seventies,” the “wretched seventies,” is painful reading.
The Canterbury Rifle Association held its Annual Meeting at Easter, on the same range at Cashmere that had been used for the Colonial Prize Firing, but even the weather turned on the unfortunate Volunteers, for it was “throughout most inclement.”
May 9th was observed as “Thanksgiving Day” for the recovery of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, and a general holiday was kept. The Volunteers, all that were left of them, marched to St. Michael’s Church, where service was conducted by the Chaplain to the Force, the Rev. J. G. Bluett.
On the Queen’s Birthday the Headquarters Corps mustered at 9 a.m., “so as not to clash with the races.” The Engineers and City Guards were the best, but the report adds, “Yet even they were not what we should have liked to have seen on such an occasion.”
c
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FIFTY YEARS OF VOLUNTEERING
On the 21st December notice appeared that the services of No. 3 (Akaroa) C.R. Volunteers had been accepted.
1873.
In an article on the decline of Volunteering in the “Lyttelton Times” of the sth February, 1873, it was remarked “so far as drill is concerned in Wellington, the ‘Post’ says ‘No. 1 Wellington Rifle Volunteers, however, is only a type of many other Volunteer Companies in the Colony. Everywhere a like decadence is visible, even in Otago, whose Volunteers are so often held up to public admiration; the Companies are rapidly degenerating into shooting clubs, and losing sight of perfection in drill.’ ”
The second Sumner Camp was held at Easter, 1873. Only 90 men fell in to march to the camp, “and the majority were so youthful in appearance, and the absence of ‘veterans’ was so marked as to excite general comment.” A sad falling off from the Hillsborough camps of 1865. The Rifle Association held its Meeting in conjunction with the camp, so that no work could be done, and both were miserable failures. It was not until 1884 that a camp was again held in the Province.
Even the Parade on the Queen’s Birthday was abandoned this year, because the Officer Commanding said, he had been absent on the two previous Birthdays, “but heard the musters on these occasions were poor ones!” It was many years before this good old custom was revived.
The first visit of Sir James Ferguson, the new Governor, woke up the Volunteers for a few days, Escorts and Guards of Honour being required, but
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FIFTY YEARS OF VOLUNTEERING
it was necessary to combine the Engineers and City Guards to form a suitable Guard.
On December sth Colonel Paeke held an inspection parade at Kaiapoi; it was reported “No. 5 Company, in common with all other Rifle Corps in the Province, is showing marked signs of decay, and at the inspection only one private appeared in uniform.”
The Yeomanry Cavalry at this date made an effort to increase their strength, and succeeded in getting several recruits at Papanui.
1874.
On Saturday, January 24th, 1874, Major Gordon, who had been appointed Inspector of Volunteers, held his first parade; the Major was a good officer and did his work thoroughly. He was a brother of the late Colonel Henry Gordon, who subsequently commanded the Canterbury District.
The Canterbury Rifle Association held its Annual Easter Meeting at the Heathcote Range. The attendance was yearly growing smaller, but the end was not yet.
The “Press” of August 28th, 1874, contained a summary of Major Gordon’s report, an excellent one, which is good reading to this day, but space will allow of only a few extracts. As in duty bound one must first take his remarks on the Canterbury men of 1874. “In this district the corps of which I can speak in commendatory terms are the Yeomanry Cavalry, the Christchurch Artillery, No. 1 Engineers, and City Guards, No. 2 Engineers at Heathcote, 29 strong on the roll, produced only two men, one of whom was very drunk. This corps will, I conclude, be disbanded. The Timaru Artillery is in a very unsatisfactory state, only eleven of all
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FIFTY YEARS OF VOLUNTEERING
ranks paraded (with nine musicians). Attached is a Cadet Company numbering 21, but only seven were present. The Lyttelton Artillery Company, though few in number, acquitted itself well.” Major Gordon admitted that the force had been in an inefficient condition for many years. He brought some grave charges against officers, and spoke out without fear or favour. He discussed the causes which had produced the existing condition of things: Ist., lax and incompetent commanding officers and unqualified drill instructors; 2nd., he blamed captains of companies, but in some measure only; and 3rd., that the Press exercised a most pernicious and detrimental influence on the movement, sometimes by eulogising in the most laudatory terms upon movements on parade which had never taken place, at others, by condemning what had taken place when the attendance was large and the movements creditably performed. The Press incited (no doubt unwittingly) in a large degree to acts of insubordination by the publication of statements, audacious in the extreme, and eminently calculated to bring the force into disgrace. After referring at length to several other matters, and suggesting an able Commission (not composed of officers commanding districts) should visit the various centres and report, he concluded: “With respect to those who habitually attend drill, I am able confidently to state that there could not exist a more intelligent, obedient and apt body of men, who deserve every consideration and encouragement. Why they attend drill at all, in view of the contemptuous and prejudicial opinions which in numerous and influential quarters are given expression to with respect to the force generally, is a matter of much surprise.”
FIFTY YEARS OF VOLUNTEERING
42
The report caused a great stir at the time, and the Government felt something must be done, so they fell back on the usual resource of a New Zealand Government, and in September issued a fresh set of Regulations (the fifth set).
1875.
The remaining years of the seventies are a record of monthly inspections at Headquarters, with diminishing numbers, rifle matches, notices of disbandment of corps, and an occasional visit by a Governor, with escorts furnished by the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry. These were more frequent than at the present date. For instance, in 1875 the Yeomanry provided four escorts for His Excellency the Marquis of Normanby. There were no Camps, no Field Days, or Birthday Parades; nor was any attempt made to instruct officers, or ascertain if they had any knowledge that justified their holding commissions. An officer had to educate himself—if he “asked questions” he was requested “not to talk shop.” No books on the Military art could he obtained at that time, and the numerous excellent works on “Minor Tactics” and other subjects, which are now within reach of all, had yet to be written. And still a few, a very few, keen officers stuck to the service. Why they did so in those days of apathy and discouragement, is a source of wonder to one who passed through that dreary time. Perhaps there was some latent virtue in “the Regulations” which watched over, and helped us in our work, though we were too obtuse to recognise “an angel in disguise.”
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FIFTY YEARS OP VOLUNTEERING
In 1875 the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry, who were slowly expiring under the monthly’ foot parades, with the Infantry Corps at Headquarters, obtained permission to qualify for capitation by attending six days’ training, and two inspection parades in lieu of the monthly parades; and this saved the corps, for it enabled men in the country to join. Contingents were raised in the Leeston, Ashburton, and Rangiora Districts, and the corps increased yearly in strength.
1876.
In 1876 the Cavalry and Artillery were armed with the Snider Carbine—the mounted men had been without a firearm since the old Terry B.L. Carbines had been called in at the time of the Native troubles in 1868. Later in the year Long Sniders were issued to the Engineers and Rifle Corps.
The first six days’ training of the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry was held at Southbridge at Easter, 1877. Forty-five men were present exclusive of the Band. It may be recorded that the Yeomanry Band was formed in 1868 and dissolved in 1883, when by “new regulations” all corps were reduced to a strength of 63 men. The Volunteers of 1868-82 were indebted to the C.Y.C. Band for their music during that period.
The Akaroa Company was disbanded on the 18th October, 1877, after a short existence.
1878.
In May, 1878, an important cable was received by the Governor from the Secretary of State for the Colonies on the subject of the defence of New
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FIFTY YEARS OF VOLUNTEERING
Zealand in the event of Great Britain being involved in war. Unfortunately the wording of the message, owing to errors in transmission, was so obscure that the Governor had telegraphed to have the message repeated, and then unluckily the wire broke down just at this very critical period. This much was clearly learned: the Imperial Government on the first symptoms that war was imminent, instructed a special committee to report on the best means of defending the Colonies.
Here were all the elements to create a “War Scare.” The papers at once published to the world the strength of our local Volunteers, even the number of rifles, carbines, bayonets, and swords, down to the “67 muzzle loading carbines” on issue to cadets at Christchurch and Timaru, and “10 old Lancasters.” Also it informed the public that the only ammunition consisted of a few rounds not expended in the last year’s practice.
However, the “Regulations” came to the front, for at the next parade of the “City Guards” a memorandum was read from the District Office “that it was the intention to enforce clause 57 of the Volunteer Rules and Regulations” which provided for a fine not exceeding £1 for absence from inspection parade without leave.
This was a characteristic proceeding, instead of taking action to increase the numbers and efficiency of the Volunteer Force, the handful of men who were striving to keep the movement alive were at once threatened with “pains and penalties”; and those who administered the “Regulations” doubtless congratulated themselves on their energy in a crisis.
There was the usual talk of calling on the “old Volunteers,” though it is to be feared by this time
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FIFTY YEARS OF VOLUNTEERING
they would have been rather rusty at their work. Time was yet to prove the value of “the old Volunteer.”
The annual training of the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry was held in May, 1878, at Ashburton, At this date all railway charges had to be paid by the Corps. The strength was 78 all ranks.
A new departure was made in 1878 by having what was then termed a “Volunteer Demonstration,” that is, collecting as many Volunteers as possible for two or three days at one of the chief towns. The first was held at Dunedin in November, 1878, where, omitting cadets, 1006 Volunteers were present. The work done was not of a practical nature, movements being performed in accordance with a printed programme. At any rate it was a sign the officers and men were yearning for better things. The cost was provided by the Corps, supplemented by such subscriptions from residents as could be obtained. Christchurch sent 106 men and 25 cadets. The Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry, then the only mounted corps in the South Island, did not attend.
In December, 1878, the Volunteer Artillery Corps were formed into an Administrative Battalion under the title of “The New Zealand Regiment of Volunteer Artillery,” and thenceforth, the Christchurch Artillery has been known as the E Battery.
1879.
At Easter, 1879, a “Volunteer Demonstration” was held at Invercargill, the number present being 1050, of whom 750 were visitors. The local subscriptions on this occasion amounted to £674 11s. sd.
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FIFTY YEARS OP VOLUNTEERING
A “sham fight” took place by “programme.” “Sports” had to be relied on to augment the funds.
The Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry had every arrangement for their training at the same time at Rangiora, and applied for cattle trucks to convey the horses of the Ashburton Contingent to Christchurch—passes for the men were not asked for. Though the Volunteers were carried to Invercargill free, the Yeomanry were refused the trucks, and in so objectionable a manner, that the training was abandoned.
In July, 1879, the carbines of the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry were called in, in anticipation of trouble with Te Whiti and his ploughmen. As usual, calling in the arms had a disorganising effect. Twenty per cent, of the rifles on issue in the South Island to the Infantry were also called in for use in the North.
On the 30th July No. 5 Company (Kaiapoi) C.R. Volunteers was disbanded; this was one of the original Rifle Companies in the Province.
The service of a new Infantry Company, the Ashburton Rifle Volunteers, were accepted on the 28th August, 1879.
During the bad “seventies” the Canterbury Rifle Association had floundered along, but the end was very near. At a special meeting held on the 29th September only six persons attended. There was £lO 14s. 2d. in hand, and the Association owed in prizes £BO, 2s. 6d. So sad a condition of a once popular organization is fittingly recorded at the end of 1879. In the coming years, the Volunteers had good and bad times before them, but never so bad as those which preceded them.
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FIFTY YEARS OP VOLUNTEERING
The strength of the Volunteers in the Canterbury Province at the end of 1879 was as follows:
Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry .. 118
C. Battery .. .. 83
E. Battery .. .. .. 68
Engineers .. .. .. 70
City Guards .. .. .. 64
Temuka .. .. 90
493
The City Guards alone survived of the former Rifle Companies in North Canterbury. The Engineers were fated to be disbanded in 1881; though the Ashburton Rifles did not appear in the official list, from which the above numbers have been taken, their services had been accepted, and the Company was formed with a full complement of officers.
1880.
On January Bth, 1880, a committee of officers and non-commissioned officers met to consider the best means to provide the necessary funds to enable a
“Review” to be held at Christchurch during the Easter Holidays. The money had to be provided without Government assistance. In these days, when, not only the expenses of a camp are paid for, but all ranks receive payment for their attendance, it is well to recall the difficulties, monetary and otherwise, under which the Volunteers of 1880 carried on their work. It was estimated there would be an attendance of 1565 men. No cadets were to be invited. Visiting Companies were to pay at the rate of 10/- per man towards the expense of billeting, etc. The Review was to be held on the
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FIFTY YEARS OF VOLUNTEERING
Racecourse, and arrangements had been made with the Canterbury Jockey Club to receive a third of the gate and booth money of the three days’ Easter Meeting (which included one day for the Review). On Saturday Military Sports would be held; in the evening a promenade concert in the Drill Shed and grounds. On the night of Easter Monday a ball would be given in the Drill Shed, and an amount would be raised by public subscription. So by one means or another it was hoped the necessary expenses would be obtained. It is needless to add the work of the Committee was not light.
Colonel P. H. Scratchley, R.E., visited the Province at the end of January, and made an inspection of the harbour and its surroundings for defence purposes; he also inspected the local Volunteers during his visit. His report on “The Defence of New Zealand is still of value.
In February it was announced the Government had authorised the issue of free passes for the Easter Review, at which there was much rejoicing. The Volunteers in those days were thankful for small mercies.
On March 25th the Volunteer Corps who were to take part in the Review began to arrive, and from that date to the 31st March, the town was full of Volunteers. On Saturday, the 27th, the morning was devoted to battalion drill, this was the instructional side; the afternoon to sports at the grounds of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association at Sydenham, to provide the all important funds towards the expenses. £136 was taken at the Gala. The proposed concert was held in the evening, and was a success. The Church Parades on Sunday, when the men marched to the several churches in
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FIFTY YEARS OF VOLUNTEERING
the town, were well attended. The Review was held on Monday, the 29th March, at the Racecourse, the Infantry being conveyed by rail, the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry and Artillery proceeding by road. The weather was pleasant, the number good, 1739, but the practical work, nil. It was simply following the numbered movements on a printed card, and many a keen Volunteer returned from the Review disgusted and almost hopeless of any improvement in the Force, when he thought of what good work might have been done with the number of men present. The ball was held in the evening, and was a failure. The greater part of the Volunteers left by special train on Monday night. And so ended the Review of 1880, so much talked of, so hardly worked for, and so wretchedly conducted.
The Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry held their six days’ training at Christchurch at the time of the Review. Eighty men were present.
There were signs of revival in the Volunteer Force from time to time during the year. On April 21st 100 men signed a requisition to form a Rifle Corps in Sydenham, but their offer of service was declined with thanks in June, ‘ ‘ owing to the present financial state of the Colony.”
On May 6th a meeting was held at Lyttelton, and a Memorial, signed by a large number who were willing to form a Naval Brigade, leaving the question of Capitation to be settled thereafter. The promoters were most persevering in their efforts to obtain the Government’s approval, and were so sanguine of success that the Committee selected who should be the first captain.
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FIFTY YEARS OF VOLUNTEERING
In September it was notified the Capitation grant would be withdrawn, but eventually information was received that half the capitation for 1880 would be paid on the basis of six Government inspections, and six Company parades, to be held between April Ist and December 31st, 1880.
On October 7th, a deputation representing the promoters of the Lyttelton Naval Brigade waited on the Premier (the Hon. John Hall), who, in replying to the arguments of the deputation, said he would have the Brigade gazetted at once.
On 28th December, the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry mustered at Rangiora for three days’ training, in order to qualify for the half capitation granted by the Government up to the 31st December, 1880. It had been intimated that no capitation would be paid for the following year. The season was most inconvenient for a large number of the men, who were farmers, or sheep owners, but nevertheless 60 men qualified at this training.
1881.
In January, 1881, a committee of ladies decided to hold a Fancy Fair and Gift Auction during the Easter Week, to raise funds to wipe off the debt owing on account of the Review in 1880. The amount was considerable, £4OO, and the Government could give no assistance.
March 11th, His Excellency, Sir Arthur Gordon, visited Canterbury, and was received at Lyttelton by a Guard of Honour, composed of a detachment of the Lyttelton Naval Brigade. “The men did themselves infinite credit.”
At the banquet to His Excellency, given on the 12th March, Major Lean, in responding on behalf of
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the Volunteers, said he “could assure them of one thing, that the Volunteers would be very grateful for the honour done them, more especially because it was the only recognition they were likely to get.” (This being an allusion to the Capitation grant raised a general laugh). “As matters were progressing, it appeared likely that New Zealand would in a short time present the curious spectacle of the only British dependency which did not encourage Volunteering. To use an agricultural illustration, he might say the first crop had been ploughed in, but he hoped the succeeding crop would be housed in good time. That was a consideration for our rulers. If the first crop had been ploughed in, it was not the fault of the seed, but of the farmer. There was plenty of material here, and at the present time there can be raised a force quite sufficient to meet any probable emergency in the country.”
In responding to the toast of “His Excellency’s Advisers,” the Hon. John Hall, the Premier, in the course of his remarks, took credit for the Government having introduced habits of economy, both in private and public, “as illustrated by the complaint they had just heard from the gallant Major (Major Lean), trusting as they did in the general public— Volunteers among them—to sacrifice not only the luxuries, but some of the conveniences of life. With regard to Major Lean’s remarks, they showed that the Government had paid the highest possible compliment to the Volunteers of New Zealand in affording them an opportunity of distinguishing themselves all over the world. He (the Major) had said that this would be the only British colony in which the Volunteers received no capitation. Well.
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they would now have the gratification and pride of seeing that the Volunteers would go on in spite of no capitation, and set a worthy example to other Volunteers of the British Empire.” (Laughter.)
The remarks of the above speakers have been quoted to “point a moral” if not to “adorn a tale.” When the Premier so flippantly passed over the Capitation question, amidst the laughter of his hearers, he, or they, little thought that in eight short months, the Government would anxiously call on the Volunteers to form the force that marched on Parihaka in November, 1881, and who, though no shot was fired, destroyed the mana of Te Whiti, and practically settled the Native scare for ever. Yet so it was. But history was only repeating itself. In 1862, during the “Trent” incident, the men were made much of by the general public whilst the scare lasted, only in six months’ time to he the subject of ridicule by a professional buffoon, to the delight of their fellow townsmen, and, shortly afterwards, these same Volunteers were asked by the Government of the day to make such accessions to their corps as would render them “effective for that object which so vitally affected the Colonists themselves.” That was a defence force. It is significant that war broke out in the Taranaki and Waikato districts shortly after this appeal. Again, in 1868, with capitation reduced to 12/6, and every man’s hand against them, their own members in the Provincial Council carrying a resolution to take even that pittance from the Volunteers, so that all heart was taken out of the Force, the Government (in September) was nevertheless anxious to obtain men from the Volunteers to leave their homes and occupations for active service in the North.
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The moral is there should be a fixed policy for the Defence of the Dominion—it should not be dependent on party politics. And any questions affecting Defence should be considered by our representatives, not as politicians but as patriots. With a settled policy there would be continuity, and our old friend the “Regulations” would not need so many alterations. In times of peace men talk of the useless expense, but it has been truly remarked, “Civilians are apt to imagine that armies only exist for the purpose of spending their hardly collected revenues, and forget that if it were not for the existence and fighting efficiency of the army, there would soon be no revenue to collect at all.”
April 20th and 21st.—A bazaar was held to extinguish the debt incurred for the Volunteer Review in 1880—the sum taken was £496.
“The Volunteer Act, 1881” came into force on the 23rd September of that year. The force continued to serve under the Regulations of 1874, until the new Regulations made by Order of Council of the 22nd November, 1882, came into force on the Ist January, 1883.
In September, 1881, there was some uneasiness respecting Te Whiti and his followers, and the Government called for recruits for the Armed Constabulary. 161 were enrolled in Canterbury, and left for Wellington on the Ist October.
The annual training of the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry was held in October at Timaru; strength present, 6 officers, 73 rank and file.
The services of the Christ College Cadets were accepted on the 19th October, 1881.
Notice appeared that 200 men were required from Canterbury to go to Parihaka, drilled Volunteers if possible.
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On the 31st October 78 Volunteers, under Captain Hammersley, of the Timaru Artillery, embarked for Wellington in the s.s. “Stella,” to proceed to the front.
The papers of the 7th November contain an account of the march on Parihaka on the sth November, and the capture of Te Whiti, Tohu, and the murderer Hiroki. The force collected for the march numbered 1200.
The following is taken from a leader in the “Lyttelton Times” of the 19th November. It shows the attitude of the public towards the Volunteers was, for the time being, changing. The writer, after referring to the Parihaka incident, continues: “The Native difficulty has given us many bad legacies. But it has given us one good thing, it has given us evidence of the sterling character and patriotic spirit of the Volunteer Force. We hope no more to see those sneers at the Citizen Soldiers, which, being general, alone made possible the shabby treatment to which the force has been subjected in the last years of retrogression and dishonour. The general acceptance of the value of that force should be sufficient to secure for it the substantial assistance, and the periodical training in masses which are necessary to make it the nucleus of an army fit to deal with foreign aggression in whatever shape it may come.” “To reach this perfection of preparedness, we require something more than the military spirit. We want to base on that spirit a reliable military system.”
The Canterbury Engineers Volunteers disbanded in December, 1881.
D
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1882.
On February 25th, 1882, the Royal Commission appointed to consider the organization of the Militia and Volunteer Force of New Zealand, and to revise the regulations, commenced their work.
In March there was some “growling” in the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry at their being debarred from rifle practice. At the commencement of the month the corps had over 120 on the roll, but were without carbines, those issued to them having been called in for use in the North Island in 1879.
His Excellency the Governor, Sir Arthur Gordon, visited Christchurch at Easter, 1882, to open the International Exhibition in the South Park, and the Volunteers in North and South Canterbury, and those in the Oamaru district, were assembled at Christchurch on the Bth April, the visiting corps being encamped at the Drill Shed grounds. The next day, Sunday, the 9th, the men were about to march to the Cathedral, when the rain came down in torrents, and the parade was countermanded. On Monday, during the opening ceremony, the rain fortunately held off during the middle of the day, only to come on worse at night, and continued until the men were dismissed on Tuesday evening. The intended review in Hagley Park, in presence of the Governor, on Tuesday morning, had to be abandoned.
The recommendations of the Royal Commission on the Volunteer Force appeared in the daily papers on May 29th. Many of them, though not subsequently adopted, were excellent. Two regiments of Cavalry, one for each island, one regiment of
FIFTY YEARS OP VOLUNTEERING
56
Artillery (this was then in existence) and six regiments of Infantry, three in each island. All ranks to be paid 2/6 for each three hours’ drill. Government to provide complete uniforms for the men, such uniforms to last three years (excepting great coats, which were to last six years. (N.B. — This is the first time we hear of great coats for the Force.) A capitation allowance of 10/- to be granted to the first line. A second line was recommended within 25 miles of the Company they were to support in the field, and to receive 30/- capitation with arms and ammunition, but uniforms not found. The second line was not required to attend the same number of inspections and parades as the first line. Adjutants to be appointed at £3OO, and Drill Instructors at £l5O per annum. Officers in the first instance to be appointed on the recommendation of the Commanding Officer, vacancies to be filled by election from candidates submitted to the Company by the Commandant. Prom the above extracts, it is evident the members of the Commission had “ideas” and were not bound to former regulations.
Some “side lights” on the Parihaka Campaign were disclosed in August, when Dr. Diver, of Wellington, was examined before the Public Petitions Committee. The doctor had a petition claiming £79, being the total sum at the rate of 5/per head for the Volunteers he medically examined before they left for the front. The Committee was decidedly against the claim, hut the doctor’s evidence was interesting. The Volunteer doctors who accompanied the force were not placed on the strength, with one exception, Dr. Boor, an assistant surgeon from Nelson. Dr. Diver added that Dr. Boor’s whole stock of medicines consisted of a
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pound of salts, which he got from a local storekeeper. This he was told by Dr. Boor himself. The result was he had to disguise the salts in all kinds of ways to get the men to take them for their various ailments, to keep them efficient and capable of going to the front. Dr. Diver admitted, in reply to Mr. Turnbull, that but for the foresight of Dr. Boor, they would not have had even the salts, and then Mr. Turnbull asked if the taking of salts under such circumstances was not more calculated to make men go, not to the front but in the opposite direction. Dr. Diver, amid much laughter, admitted it would. Dr. Diver, in further evidence, stated that if there had been an engagement the after consequences would have been simply murder. There were no hospital tents or any other appliances whatever, and men must have bled to death for want of proper attendance. With the same number of men in regular forces, there would have been about eight surgeons with all necessary ambulance appliances. It was remarked these facts gave an additional reason for congratulation that the Parihaka campaign was a bloodless one.
On September 19th, 1882, the Headquarters corps paraded to attend the funeral of Mr. Dugald Macfarlane, formerly an officer in the Rifle Brigade, and a Waterloo veteran.
The Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry held their annual training in October from the Bth to 13th, at Christchurch. Present of all ranks, 76.
Lieutenant-Colonel George Paeke, who had commanded the Canterbury District from 1868, died on October 16th. He was buried at Riocarton. The funeral was largely attended by representatives from the several corps in North and South Canterbury.
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Major Alexander Lean succeeded LieutenantColonel Packe in the command of the district, and shortly after was promoted to the rank of Lieut.Colonel.
A meeting of fifty “old boys” was held in October for the purpose of taking steps to form a Rifle Corps to he called the “Christ College Rifles.” The Officer Commanding the District presided, and informed those who had enrolled themselves that Government could not accept their services until the new Volunteer Regulations came into force in January, 1883. He advised them in the meantime to get forward with recruit drill.
Steps were also taken to form two other Rifle Corps at Headquarters, namely the “Christchurch” and “Sydenham.” They also had to wait the new Regulations coming into force.
1883.
It was with anxiety some of the old corps, especially the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry, looked forward to the new Regulations, for it was rumoured a corps was not to exceed 63 in strength, and when the Regulations appeared, on the Ist January, 1883, (the sixth set) rumour proved for once correct. The total of all ranks in the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry at that date was 131. Application was made to be allowed to keep up the strength, since it was a corps recruited for the whole Province, and not for any particular town or district. No, contrary to Regulations. Then an appeal was made to allow a troop for North and another for South Canterbury. Again, it was contrary to Regulations. And finally, to keep the men, but only allow capitation for 63. For the last time
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it was replied: No, contrary to Regulations. Then came the bitter task, probably unique in New Zealand, of dispensing with the services of half the men in a corps, who were still willing and fit to serve. An officer who has passed through such an experience may be forgiven for not loving the name “Regulations.”
Many of the important suggestions of the members of the Royal Commission were ignored in the Regulations of 1883.
The services of the Christ’s College, and the Christchurch Rifles were accepted on the Ist January, 1883, and those of the Sydenham Rifles on the 11th January. With three new companies, the Infantry at Headquarters began to wake up, after many years of torpor.
At the commencement of the year an Adjutant (Captain S. Newall) was appointed to the Christchurch District.
On the Queen’s Birthday, May 24th, 1883, the Volunteers mustered for a Field Day. The proceedings commenced by the Artillery firing a Royal Salute in Hagley Park, in the presence of over 300 Volunteers. Many years had passed since a similar scene had been witnessed at Christchurch. After the salute the Force marched to New Brighton to carry out the operations of the day.
1883 passed quietly with the Volunteers, the new companies working earnestly. The Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry, with sadly diminished strength, held their training this year at Timaru. On the 9th November the corps at Headquarters paraded in Hagley Park at 7 a.m.; there was a good muster.
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1884.
At Easter, 1884, a Camp of Instruction was held at Little River; this was the first camp of that nature since the Sumner Camp of 1873. There was a very fair attendance, and some practical work was done. At this date a number of anonymous letters appeared in the daily papers with the intention of doing injury to the Officer Commanding the District; and that they were inserted was a matter of
surprise at the time—reading them again after twenty-five years one’s surprise is greater. And the wisdom of the remarks of Major Gordon in his report on the Volunteer Force in 1874, as to the Press inciting in a large degree “to acts of insubordination amongst Volunteers by the publication of statements audacious in the extreme, and eminently calculated to bring the force into disgrace” is very apparent. The authors of these letters were well known at the time.
A Field Day was held on the Queen’s Birthday, 1884. Under the new Officer Commanding every opportunity was taken of daylight drills, as being the only means for officers to obtain any knowledge of tactics.
The Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry held their annual meeting in October, 1884, at Christchurch, the men being encamped in the Drill Shed grounds.
A second Field Day was held on the 16th December, over the country south of the Avon, in the direction of New Brighton.
1885.
In 1885 there was a “Russian War Scare,” and certain malcontents took advantage of an address
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by Sir Julius Vogel, to ply him with anonymous questions, but they overdid it. And in an article in the “Lyttelton Times” of the 21st March, after deprecating the practice of allowing anonymous questions to be put, the writer proceeds: “But a number, and large number, to the great weariness of the large meeting, were questions which their framers would certainly have been ashamed to stand up and ask in the face of the meeting. They insinuated charges which have never been proved: they made statements which are most damaging to the Commanding Officers, on the one side, and to the reputation of the various Volunteer corps on the other. It is not at all clear that they were not the work of a few discontented spirits. Under the cloak of anonymity, men have been enabled to attack individuals without incurring responsibility for their action. They have done the same to the whole force in Canterbury. It has gone forth to the world that the Commanding and other officers stand charged with incompetency, and that the whole force is in a disorganised, almost mutinous state; that men are resigning in shoals just when the danger of war comes near. A more monstrous thing could not have been said of the force than the last. It is a charge of personal cowardice—the worst charge that can be brought against a soldier—the unpardonable sin of all military codes, written and unwritten. Such a charge should be made by men who are brave enough to stand up in the light, with the full determination of making good their words. They have been made by men who are so far of the colour of the white feather, that they are capable of making slanderous public attacks on individuals anonymously. ’ ’
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This subject has been referred to, since a record of the Canterbury Volunteers would not be complete without some mention of the worries of a Commanding Officer in addition to his legitimate duties. Fortunately, in this particular instance, the Officer Commanding was a strong man.
The Easter Camp of 1885 was held at Winchester. Over 300 men attended, and some good work was done. This was at the height of the “War Scare,” and it is amusing to record that a high municipal official, objected to the Christchurch Volunteers being taken so far from Christchurch at that “critical period.”
The services of the following new corps were accepted in 1885, on the dates mentioned: —
Canterbury Scottish, February 16th.
N. Battery, Lyttelton, April 10th.
Canterbury Mounted Rifles, April 11th.
Canterbury Honorary Reserve, April 17th
Geraldine Rifles, April 17th.
w — —r*** ■ Timaru Rifles, April 22nd.
Canterbury Engineers, April 27th.
w . j ““o —~ ~—■> —r Richmond Rifles, April 30th.
Kaiapoi Rifles, April 30th.
Canterbury Irish Rifles, April 30th.
A ‘‘Volunteer Demonstration,” whatever that may mean, was held in April. It took the form of a Field Day in the vicinity of Evans Pass and Sumner. Of course, Volunteering was “booming” at this date. None of the newly accepted corps took part in the operations, though probably many of the men were amongst the numerous spectators.
On the Queen’s Birthday, 1885, there was another field day at New Brighton. The South Canterbury men were present, and the total on parade was 636.
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Only one of the new corps turned out, the Canterbury Mounted Rifles, their first appearance. They received great praise on this occasion, one paper remarking, “Perhaps most worthy of notice was that body of mounted men in neat blue jackets and forage caps, which had been organised at such short notice. ... A corps which would be invaluable for defence should an enemy effect a landing on our shores.” The other paper refers to them as “one of the most serviceable and smart-looking mounted corps in the District. Their uniform was the theme of unusual admiration, being neat, soldier-like, and serviceable, whilst the men were a fine looking lot from first to last.”
It is doubtful if the Canterbury Mounted Rifles will ever be prouder as a corps than on the day when they made their first appearance in public.
This day’s work had been carefully thought out, and would have been instructive but for the number of spectators, who, in their haste to see everything, got in the way, and upset many of the plans laid.
On the same day the Honorary Reserve Corps turned out 74 strong, and marched to the Hon. J. T. Peacock’s property on the Papanui Road, where they lunched. Afterwards they fired a feu de joie—the reporter says: “it was a little unsteady.” After some drill the men adjourned to Mr, Peacock’s house, where they were liberally supplied with refreshments.
No doubt it was an enjoyable picnic, but it is a sad reflection that in 1885, the leading citizens of Christchurch, during a “War Scare,” wasted their time and energy, and the money subscribed by their friends (in the report we read Mr. Peacock was thanked for giving £25) to equip a corps which,
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64
from the age of the majority of the members, would have been useless for any purpose. Another corps of Eifles, composed of young men, could have been equipped with the money spent. The majority of the Reservists are now dead, so peace to their ashes.
In the report of Sir George Whitmore, Commander of the Colonial Forces, to the Hon. the Defence Minister, dated 30th June, 1885, he said:—
‘‘There is, however, one point on which I desire to say I think great improvement desirable; it is the training of officers. It is in no way their fault because hitherto they have had but few opportunities of learning; but it is a fact that, speaking of the body as a whole, it is not up to the standard that is desirable, nor in proportion to the efficiency of the men.” “With the assistance of the Government, I hope to be able to enable officers to train themselves better in future. The School of Instruction—now in its infancy here—will, I trust, become of use, and branches at the principal forts follow. ’ ’
This was the first time that a High Official had troubled himself about the education of officers. Unfortunately, the School of Instruction did not survive its infancy.
In September the first meeting of the Officers’ Club (then known as “The Garrison Library”) was held. The Officer Commanding the District presided, and read an excellent paper on “The Volunteer and Militia Systems.”
The Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry held their Annual Training in October, the men being encamped in the Drill Shed grounds, as on former occasions. During the encampment the North Canterbury Volunteers were called out for inspection by Sir
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George Whitmore, Commandant of the New Zealand Forces. There was a very good muster—9Bs of all ranks. The following corps made their first appearance on a general parade:—N. Battery, Lyttelton, Canterbury Engineers, and the Scottish, Kaiapoi, Kichmond, Irish, and Woolston Eifles. It is estimated that at least 8000 spectators were present, and they “virtually assumed the direction of affairs, for nothing short of a charge with fixed bayonets would have cleared the ground.” “Consequently the men did not have an opportunity of displaying all their knowledge of drill, and the work they did perform was seriously impaired from the same reason.”
In November a Volunteer Bazaar was held in the Drill Shed to defray the amount owing for placing the shed in repair, and other debts such as rates and insurance. It was a great success and cleared off all liabilities of the Drill Shed Commissioners to that date.
On December 16th, 1885, a Field Day was held over the country between the Harewood Eoad Church and the Waimakariri Eiver-bed—there was an attendance of 340 of all ranks.
1885 was a great year for Volunteering in Canterbury; at the close the total number of officers and men in North and South Canterbury was 1530. In Christchurch the Garrison Library had been formed, and at the monthly meetings papers were read, followed by discussions, and an increasing number of the officers became keen to obtain a knowledge of their duties.
1886.
Early in 1886 a meeting of Volunteers was held in the Drill Shed for the purpose of forming a
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Volunteer Rifle Association in the Canterbury District. The Officer Commanding the District presided, and upwards of one hundred Volunteers of all ranks were present. Rules, which had been drafted by the President, were adopted with a few alterations, and it was decided there should be a meeting for prize shooting on December 26th in each year.
The Easter manoeuvres in 1886 were held at Oamaru, under the direction of Colonel Sir G. Whitmore, Commanding the Forces. 2500 men were present, representing the North and South Canterbury, Otago, Southland, and Oamaru Commands. The first day’s operation was a naval attack on Oamaru, the attacking force being under the command of Admiral Scott, R.N., (to quote Sir George) the attack had “been attempted by a predatory squadron in the idea that Oamaru was undefended.” There was an explosion of a submarine mine, which “was supposed to have destroyed the enemy’s chief vessel,” and Oamaru was saved.
On Sunday a Church Parade was held, and an appeal to the men for a collection for the sufferers by the “Taiaroa” disaster was liberally responded to.
The morning of Monday, the 26th April, was devoted to a Field Day, and in the afternoon there was a review in the presence of a large number of spectators. The Volunteers were then dismissed, and soon afterwards on their way by rail to their homes.
On the Queen’s Birthday, 1886, the men paraded in Hagley Park, 415 of all ranks were present. After a Royal Salute by the Artillery, and a feu de joie by
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the Infantry, there was a march past. The Brigade then marched to the Harewood Road Church, and a field day was held on the banks of the Waimakariri, the idea being that an enemy was advancing on Christchurch by the old ford of that river.
The Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry held their annual training at Christchurch in October, 1886, the men being encamped in the Drill Shed grounds as on previous occasions. There was a good muster.
In November the Volunteers at Headquarters paraded for inspection by Sir George Whitmore, 819 present out of a total of 1008 all ranks. It is reported in a local paper: “In spite of all drawbacks, Volunteering in Canterbury has not retrograded. There has, in the first place, been no falling off in numbers. The enthusiasm aroused by the ‘Russian Scare’ of 1885, has not, as was predicted by not a few, been a mere ‘flash in the pan.’ The present strength of the various corps, compared with their strength at the time of Sir George Whitmore’s inspection last year, will show that several corps have increased their numbers, while none have suffered any serious loss.”
“The Woolston Rifles have been disbanded, but their place was filled by a new corps, the Heatheote Rifles.”
Though the Volunteers were ready and willing to do their duty, yet, there being no “war scare,” the public failed in theirs. The Mayor had asked the tradesmen, and others, to close on the Annual Inspection of the Volunteers, but very few did so—this, of course, lowered the attendance.
The spectators, of whom about 5000 were present, kept good order, and the Volunteers were not
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crushed “into confusion” as at Sir George Whitmore’s previous inspection. At the close of the proceedings Sir George addressed the men at length, expressing his approval at the improvement made by the Canterbury Volunteers.
A Field Day was held on the 16th December, over the country between Chaney’s Corner and the sea; there was an attendance of 520, all ranks. One object of these frequent field days was to acquaint officers and men, especially the former, with the country in the vicinity of Christchurch. On this day valuable information was obtained, for to the majority the country worked over, though within eight miles of the city, was an “unknown land.”
On the 26th December the Volunteer Rifle Association held its first meeting, which was well attended. During the year the numbers had been maintained, but an old Volunteer could detect signs that a change was coming, though good work was still to be done by the men of 1887.
By the Defence Act of July 21st, 1886, the provisions of the Army Act of the Imperial Parliament were to apply to all Courts Martial convened as provided in the Defence Act. This was an opportunity not to he lost, so new Regulations were made (the seventh set), which came into force on the Ist January, 1887.
1887.
The Easter manoeuvres, 1887, at Pareora, were the best that had been carried out in Canterbury up to that date. The Southern Force, composed of Volunteers south of Oamaru (914), on the one side, operating against the Northern Force (1014), which included the Canterbury and Oamaru Volunteers
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on the other. The two forces were encamped about five miles apart, and the intervening country was then eminently suited for field operations; those carried out were entirely satisfactory.
On the Queen’s Birthday, 1887, a Military Tournament and Volunteer Athletic Sports were held at the Agricultural and Pastoral Association’s Show Grounds, Colombo Street. The meeting was a successful one.
Queen Victoria’s Jubilee was celebrated on the 28th June, 1887. “The weather was cold, damp, and disagreeable,” but “it did not damp the ardour, enthusiasm, and loyalty of the day’s proceedings. The Volunteers had the honour of heading the procession,” the report adds. “Apart from the question of precedence, they are entitled to special honour at the hands of the community, for whose good they have made sacrifices undeniably heavy, and at any time may he called upon to make sacrifices heavier still. That to the patriotic policy pursued by the Government during the last few years, the Volunteers have now attained a state of efficiency which commands respect, and when they turn out for purposes of public display, they give unmistakable proof of the fact.”
Evidently, at this date the public viewed the Volunteers with favour.
The total on parade was 773, all North Canterbury Volunteers, the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry being the only corps unrepresented. In Hagley Park a Royal Salute and feu de joie were fired, and the force marched past.
In November, 1887, Major-General Schaw, C.8.R.E., reported on the Defences of New Zealand; he proposed great reductions in the Volunteer
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Force, by which he estimated that a saving could be made of about £30,000. Since there was no “Defence Policy,” the General’s views were to be given a trial, and there being no “war scare” it was a suitable time to make experiments. The following extract is taken from the “Lyttelton Times”: —
“Is there to be no finality in our system of defence? We have a strange custom amongst us. When we want to know what to do to defend ourselves against the attacks of foreign enemies, we send for an officer of the Imperial Army. We get him to come and look at our ports and country; we ask his advice, and we take it. As soon as the fruits of the advice begin to appear, we send for another officer of the Imperial Army, and we ask him for another report. As military authorities differ nearly as much as the gentlemen of the medical profession, number two generally pooh-poohs the arrangements of number one. The result is that we are always being invited to make changes in the system of national defence. In other words, that which should of all things in the world have a firm basis, has no basis at all. In the multiplicity of the experts, General Schaw has the latest place. He has reported, and as a matter of course he has told us something which no military expert has ever told us before. Now the employment of this officer can only have two explanations. Either he represents the mania for unnecessary change, or he is in the position of the celebrated Mr. Jorkins. Having the reports of Sir William Jervois and his presence among us —of him it was that the late General Gordon said that he knew more about the coastal defences of England than any other man —we had no need of General Schaw’s services. As we had
£
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no adverse report from General Jervois, no report of any kind was required of General Schaw. If the desire for change does not represent a mania, then it represents a purpose. ‘I should he most happy, my dear Sir, to let things continue in the excellent state in which they are. But there’s Mr. Jorkins. Mr. Jorkins has an idea that there ought to be change, and I am bound to respect the opinion of Mr. Jorkins, who is so very well instructed you know.’ Has General Schaw been employed to say that we must save a little money on the defence vote? Is he the Military Jorkins?”
General Schaw recommended dispensing with 5000 men, and abolishing all the Cadets, 3038 in number, in order to save £27,000.
On the 16th December an excellent day’s work was done at Kaiapoi by all branches of the service. The Ist Canterbury Battalion, supplied with ball cartridge, attacked the enemy’s position, which was represented by head and shoulder targets placed at intervals on low and broken sand hills. The result of the practice was considered “very good” by the Instructor of Musketry, who was present. So far as regards work, with the camp at Pareora, the Jubilee Celebration, and the field day at Kaiapoi, in addition to the ordinary duties of the Volunteers, the year was a satisfactory one.
1888.
In February, 1888, Major-General Sir George Whitmore inspected the North Canterbury Volunteers for the last time —present 629 Volunteers and 381 Cadets. At the close of the Parade, General Whitmore briefly addressed the Volunteers, stating he would publish a farewell address; this duly appeared on the 9th February.
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72
The Easter manoeuvres, 1888, were held near Harewood Church, on ground that on two or three previous occasions had been used for field days. The parade states show only 276 of all ranks attended this camp. This was probably owing to the unsettled state of the weather when the men started. Despite the small number, it was a fairly successful one.
At the Church Parade on the following Sunday 360 were present.
The Queen’s Birthday was celebrated by a field day over the ground extending from New Brighton to Breeze’s Eoad, which was then open country. There was a good muster, the total strength being 549.
In June Captain Hume, Inspector of Prisons, was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel, and appointed Inspector of Volunteers.
Prom Sir George Whitmore’s last report, dated March 31st, 1888, it appears the Volunteers of New Zealand of that date numbered 8064, and cadets 2773.
In October, 1888, the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry and North Otago Hussars held a combined six days’ training; the men were encamped on the Agricultural and Pastoral Association’s Grounds at Addington. During the training the corps were inspected by Lieutenant-Colonel Hume. The other Christchurch corps were inspected separately during Lieutenant-Colonel Hume’s visit to Christchurch. The inspection lasted until November 6th, having been somewhat prolonged, owing to “it being impossible to obtain musters on the race days.’’ This must have been disappointing to the Inspecting Officer.
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Through the efforts of the Officer Commanding the District, the range at Bromley had been acquired, and to raise funds for certain improvements on this range, and also make necessary repairs to the Drill Shed, a three days’ Bazaar was held during the Race Week, the result being a profit of £436.
In November, 1888, the Scottish Rifles, in independent firing, performed the remarkable feat of scoring more hits than the regulation number of rounds issued.
By proclamation on the 26th November, the regulations in force were revoked, to enable new regulations to come into force on the Ist January, 1889 (the eighth set).
By the new regulations, instead of a fixed capitation allowance of £2 per annum to each efficient Volunteer; it was to be at the rate appropriated annually by Parliament, thus making the amount entirely dependent on the will of M.H.R.’s. All existing Rifle Battalions were dissolved, and their field officers relegated to the Active unattached list. The services of Cadet Corps were only to be accepted in connection with schools. The Council of Military Education was abolished, and a Central Board of Examinations created in its place. Officers of whatever rank were to retire at sixty years of age. These were some of the changes; there was nothing startling, and the old regulations might well have remained. Dissolving the Battalions was a blunder, and the doubt as to the amount to be received for capitation disastrous.
The First Canterbury Battalion paraded on December 14th for inspection by the Officer Commanding the District; 301 present. Lieutenant-
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Colonel Fosswill, who by the new regulations retired from the Command, shortly addressed the officers and men before the Battalion was dismissed.
A Field Day was held on the 16th December in the vicinity of Horseshoe Lake. The muster was small, 239—the “New Regulations” were beginning their work.
The Volunteer Prize Firing was held on the Bromley Range on Boxing Day, 1888.
1889.
At the annual meetings of the several corps at the beginning of 1889, they accepted the altered Regulations with loyalty, and were, to a certain extent, rewarded by the following remarks, which are taken from an article in the “Lyttelton Times” in January;—“We congratulate the Volunteers of Christchurch on the good spirit they are showing. Ministers in this country have a curious method of doing business. They accept the gratuitous services of the Citizen Soldiery sometimes as if it were a bore, always without any kind of acknowledgment. They make regulations and unmake them; they elaborate organisations and abruptly destroy them; of altering everything from top to bottom they think nothing, and of giving reasons they think even less. Why have the regulations been changed? Why has the whole system, so carefully raised up with the enthusiastic support of the Volunteer officers and men, been turned into something else ? Why are the battalions, which have done such good service—there were over forty drills and parades last year, and they were attended by the greater part of the men —dissolved without a word of thanks or acknowledgment? If this dissolution
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had been a punishment for mutiny or other grossly bad behaviour, it could not have been carried out in more severe, unsympathetic fashion. Yet the Volunteers make no murmur. They set about obeying the last regulations, they swallow all their wounded feelings, and they prepare for the future with energy and determination. We repeat that they are to be congratulated on the excellent spirit they are showing.”
The question of an Easter Camp was considered in February, 1889, by the Officers at Headquarters. The Officer Commanding the District at the first meeting said the Hon. the Defence Minister had informed him there were no available funds for an encampment. This was a great disappointment, for it was felt, with the uncertainty regarding the Capitation grant, the corps would not be justified in incurring the expense. The Officer Commanding, however, was persistent, and at a meeting held about three weeks later, he was able to report the Government would grant £3OO, which must cover all expenses except free passes by rail.
Several proposed sites were visited, and finally the offer of Mr. Edward Chapman, of Springbank, on the Oust, to allow an encampment to be held on his property, was accepted. The South Canterbury Command signified their readiness to join forces on this occasion; this at once increased the interest in the camp; and it was soon evident that, after all, it would be a success.
The Easter Camp of 1889 was a most successful one—the number present 729. The weather was fine, the work well performed, and discipline good. Old Volunteer officers still recall the affectionate
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and hearty farewell they gave their Officer Commanding the District, on what was then considered his last camp.
At the annual Church Parade on the Sunday following 416 Volunteers were present.
That the encampment was carried out with prudence and economy, the following extract from a “Local” in May, 1889, will prove:—“ Thanks to good management, and to the generous terms on which Mr. Chapman furnished a great part of the supplies, an unexpected balance of £6O has been forwarded to Wellington out of the £3OO allowed by the Government for the expenses of the North and South Canterbury Encampments.”
The Queen’s Birthday was celebrated in 1889 by a Ceremonial Parade in Hagley Park, the attendance, including 190 Cadets, being 860.
On May 28th, at an interview, the Hon. the Minister for Defence, Mr. Fergus, after expressing his regrets that he had to reduce the capitation the previous year to 30/-, hoped that with the improved position of the country, there would be an improvement in the capitation. He also stated that Government did not intend to arm the Volunteers with Martini-Henry rifles for they were “practically obsolete weapons,” and “that the Snider was not at all a bad weapon.”
Colonel the Hon. Be Renzie Brett, M.L.C., an old Indian soldier, and Commandant of the Reserve Corps, was buried on the anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo, in the Linwood Cemetery, a large number of the Volunteers following the old Colonel to his grave.
Lieutenant-Colonel Hume’s report on the Volunteer Force appeared in September, 1889. He
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reported unfavourably on the officers and noncommissioned officers as a whole, and said “the system of allowing men to elect their officers has a pernicious effect. It prevents some men who, by education and physique, would be an acquisition to the force from joining, and on the other hand, is the means of introducing undesirable men.”
The Colonel remarked: “In reference to the resignation of so many officers, who by their intelligence, their manly bearing, and tact, and their period of training, are of great value to the Force, annual expense also plays a part. The worry of administering a corps financed under the present system, and the scant recognition of their services, which is often meted out to them, even hy the men under them, and nearly always by the public, is calculated to cool the military ardour of the most enthusiastic, and to drive them out of the Force.” There was truth in these words, and yet officers struggled on, and have continued to do until the end.
Colonel Hume, when speaking of the Capitation grant, said, “Even the Infantry cannot live on £1 10s. per man, while some branches, such as Cavalry and Field Batteries, require special treatment of a considerably more generous nature than they have received in the past.”
The papers were flooded with anonymous letters on the report; it would have been well if the Press had exercised some judgment before publishing many of them—the effect was worse than the “scant recognition” of the public.
The Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry held their annual training in October at Addington, and gained “the high praise” of the Inspecting Officer.
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The Headquarters Corps paraded in Hagley Park on November sth, 1889, at 7 a.m., for inspection by Major-General Bevan Edwards, an officer appointed by the Imperial Government to visit the colonies and inspect the defences and forces. The numbers on parade were, Volunteers 637, Cadets 166. The Lyttelton Navals were unable to attend, and the Heathcote Rifles had disbanded. Lieutenant-Colonel A. Hume, Inspector of Volunteers, was present at the parade.
A Field Day was held at Purau on the 16th December, 1889, present 324 all ranks. The day was spoilt by an energetic but injudicious officer, who camped with his company at Purau the night before, and “captured” the small party who had been landed at Camp Bay with orders to represent an enemy.
Notice was received at the end of 1889 that the Volunteers would be paid for that year at the rate of £2 per man.
1890.
To encourage the Force, on January 23rd, 1890, a few additional Regulations appeared in the “Gazette.”
The strength of the Volunteers in North Canterbury at this date was 1018, the efficients numbering 701; in South Canterbury, strength 373, efficients 269.
The Easter encampment in 1890 was at Hillsborough, the total present being 447. Though few in number, some fair work was done at the camp.
The officers present decided to resuscitate the “Garrison Library,” which was in a languishing condition.
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Two hundred and eighty-six Volunteers attended the annual Church Parade on the Sunday following the camp.
The Wellington “Evening Press,” in May, stated that at the end of the year the Volunteer forces were to be disbanded, and a partially paid force created. And this was the meaning of a circular that had been sent recently to officers commanding corps, warning them not to incur further liabilities. The rumour naturally tended to unsettle the Volunteers.
On the “Queen’s Birthday,” 1890, there was a field day in the vicinity of Horseshoe Lake, the defending force taking up a position to bar an enemy advancing on Christchurch by the North Avon Road. The men paraded at 9 a.m., the strength being 410.
Lieutenant-Colonel Hume, in his Annual Report, referred to the inspection at Christchurch by MajorGeneral L. Bevan Edwards, as follows:—“ After the usual salute and march past, a few Brigade movements, including the attack formation, were practised. The Canterbury Mounted Rifles showed a marked improvement since the previous inspection, their skirmishing being particularly steady, and eliciting praise from the Major-General.” The E. Battery “looked particularly smart and drilled very steadily.” The Richmond Rifles “had a total strength of 87 men on parade,” and the Kaiapoi Rifles 71. The number of Volunteers in North Canterbury on 31st December, 1889, was 1096; in South Canterbury 427.
The Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry held their usual training in October, the members encamping
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at Addington. His Excellency Lord Onslow, who had done the corps the honour of becoming its Hon. Colonel, was present at the inspection.
Lieutenant-Colonel Hume, A.A.G., inspected the Volunteer corps on Friday, the 7th November, in Hagley Park, at 9.45 a.m. The muster was small, as might have been expected, since it was held on the “People’s Day” in Show Week —present, Volunteers 500, Cadets 204.
This inspection aroused the anonymous writers, who in numbers dilated on the subject of “Inspections” in the daily papers.
“Anniversary Day” was celebrated in 1890 on December 17th. There was a Field Day in the neighbourhood of Purau, with but a poor muster, only 164 of all ranks. The inspection by the A.A.G. on the 7th November, and the letters so readily admitted by the Press, without doubt had much to do with the small attendance.
1891.
The prospects of the Volunteers were not bright at the end of 1890; their condition is fairly well described in the following extract from an article in the “Lyttelton Times” of January Bth, 1891:
“The condition of the Volunteer Force of the Colony is such as to give ground for dissatisfaction and anxiety. The Minister for Defence, Captain Russell, said in the House of Representatives that it was neither organized, armed, nor trained. Colonel Hume, in his last Annual Report, condemned it in terms, which, if warranted, showed that, as a means of defence, it was useless. Yet it is costing the Colony this year nearly £30,000. That sum is simply wasted if what the Minister for Defence and
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the Inspector of Volunteers said is true, and that much of it is true, no one who knows anything about the matter, will deny. Now why is this 1 As much, or more, has been spent upon the force annually for several years past, and the public have a right to ask why they have not had better value for their money.
“Before attempting to answer the question, let us contrast the Volunteer Force of to-day with that of, say, five years ago. Then the ranks-—of the Canterbury corps at least —were full, and full of men of the right stamp, and the enthusiasm and esprit de corps were all that could be wished. The efficiency of the infantry had been considerably improved by the formation of the companies into battalions. A fairly liberal capitation grant—£3 per man per annum —was paid, and the force was hopeful, prosperous, and popular with the public. But evil days came. The ‘roar for retrenchment’ resounded through the land, the capitation was cut down to thirty shillings per man, and the battalions were broken up. Why, has never been satisfactorily explained. Since then, things have gone from bad to worse. The admirable spirit of the Volunteers caused them to make a brave fight against their difficulties, and for a time they appeared to be fairly successful, for the effect of the reduction of the capitation grant was not felt immediately. It was not until uniform and equipment began to wear out, and the funds for replacing them were not forthcoming, that the pinch of poverty was felt. Worse even that this was the undecided and vacillating policy pursued towards the force. The air was constantly filled with rumours of change. The amount of the capitation was changed almost
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annually: tlie regulations were altered too often, and not always for the better. To show the glorious state of uncertainty which prevailed,—aye, and prevails still—it may be mentioned that it was not until near the end of December last that the Volunteers were told what the capitation allowance for the year just closing would be. The Volunteer vote had been passed by the House on September 3rd, nearly four months earlier, but for some unexplained reason the officers of the force were kept in ignorance of the amount they were to get. The embarrassment caused to them by not knowing until the end of December what the income of their corps for the year would be, is so serious (as any business man will see at a glance) that their work is rendered tenfold more difficult. The capitation, it may be explained, is not in any sense pay for the men’s services; it is devoted solely to defraying the expense of maintaining the corps, and if a captain be ardent enough to incur any expense, however necessary, before he knows what his corps’s share of the vote will be, he will, perhaps, find himself compelled to put his hand into his own pocket at the end of the year. The constant changes in the regulations, already referred to, are another example of the unstable management of the Force. By frequent alterations the Government have evolved a set of regulations, which in some respects have proved unworkable.”
No apology is necessary for this and other extracts from the papers of the day—in a record of the “varying fortunes” of the Canterbury Volunteers—such extracts, whether for, or against the Volunteers, are valuable as evidence of public opinion at the time.
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At a Government parade of the headquarters Rifle Companies, held on the 30th January, 1891, seven companies were represented, the total strength being 163, exclusive of the band, which numbered 21.
Early in February, 1891, Major Stewart Newall, who for eight years had been District Adjutant, left for Wellington on promotion, to the regret of his old comrades.
Colonel A. Lean on the 14th February, 1891, handed over the command of the district to Lieutenant-Colonel H. Gordon.
Throughout this record, purely personal matters have been left out, and only names of officers mentioned when absolutely necessary, but in reference to Colonel Lean’s retirement, it may be allowed to quote the following extract from the “Press” of February 17th:—“In losing Colonel Lean, the Volunteers lose one who, from the first day he took charge, has never failed to do his utmost to advance their interests in every way. Through good report and evil report, times of prosperity and times of adversity, Colonel Lean has stuck loyally to the Volunteer movement, never losing heart under the most discouraging circumstances, and always speaking in the most encouraging manner to those under his command. All ranks will miss him greatly, and without disparagement to his successor, it is not too much to say that the Volunteers of Canterbury -will not soon ‘look upon his like again.’ ” Colonel Lean was a pattern Volunteer officer—for all his work he received no pay, and at periods but little thanks.
The Easter manoeuvres for 1891 were held at Oamaru. The various districts represented were North and South Canterbury, Dunedin, North
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Otago, and Southland; the number present of all ranks was 1704. Lieutenant-Colonel Carre, R.A., was present to report on the manoeuvres.
Over 300 Volunteers attended the annual Church Parade on sth April, 1891.
The Volunteers paraded at 8.15 a.m. on the Queen’s Birthday for a field day, the total number being 387, which it was stated “was very good considering the present circumstances of the force.” The manoeuvres were in the neighbourhood of Woolston. “The work of the day was, on the whole, satisfactorily performed by both officers and men, showing that, if the force was diminished in numbers, its energy and goodwill were unabated.”
The Hon. R, J. Seddon was now Minister for Defence, a position he was to occupy, or control, for many years. Amongst the proposals submitted by him for the reorganization of the Defence Force of the Colony, and which appeared in the local papers on June sth, 1891, were three that gladdened the hearts of keen officers, namely: (1) The appointment of an Imperial officer as Commandant of the Forces for a term of three years; (2) Officers of Volunteers to be nominated by the Commandant of the Forces and the officer commanding district; and (3) a capitation grant of not less than the present amount, i.e., £2 per man per annum, to be guaranteed for say three years.
The following extract from an article in the “Lyttelton Times,’’June 9th, thus refers to the proposals of the Defence Minister above quoted. “Its very first feature the appointment of an English officer, conversant with modern methods, to the Chief Command, is so manifestly good, that it must meet with ready acceptance. Under such an
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officer, with a free hand, many of the evils which now afflict the force, would disappear.” After events proved the wisdom of the writer hy his employing the qualifying words ‘.‘with a free hand.” As regarded the election of officers, he said ‘‘That the nomination of officers by a superior authority is preferable to their election by the men whom they have to command, has long been the opinion of many experienced Volunteers, both officers and men. Under the elective system unsuitable men have frequently been appointed, and corps have sometimes been injuriously affected by being split into factions over contested elections.” The proposal regarding the capitation was cordially approved.
Colonel Hume, in his last report, Ist July, 1891, gave the total Volunteers in the Colony on the 31st December, 1890, as 6700 all ranks, as against 7719 at the close of the previous year.
The annual six days’ training of the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry was held in October at Addington, His Excellency Lord Onslow, the Honorary Colonel of the Regiment, being present.
1892.
In the early part of 1892 the several corps in Canterbury were at a low strength. Many excellent officers had resigned, and a long season of “hope deferred” had made the force very heart-sick. Advantage was taken of the Defence Minister visiting Christchurch in March, 1892, when a deputation of Volunteer officers waited upon the Minister to urge that a camp should be held at Easter, but were informed it had been determined not to hold Easter camps.
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Notwithstanding the refusal to grant aid towards a general camp, several corps decided, at their own cost, to utilize the Easter holidays for instructional purposes. The Canterbury Mounted Rifles, as a “Flying Column” traversed Banks Peninsula, the City Guards and Richmond Rifles camped at Sumner, and the College and Christchurch Rifles at Port Levy, and some practical work was done.
At the annual Church Parade on April 24th, 1892, 425 of all ranks were present.
Colonel Fox, the new Commandant of the New Zealand Forces, arrived at Wellington early in May, and at once commenced an inspection of the defences of the Colony.
A field day, held on the Queen’s Birthday, 1892, near Evan’s Pass, was attended by 233 Volunteers.
Colonel Pox arrived at Lyttelton on June Ist to inspect the defences; unofficially he saw such corps as paraded during his visit.
The Report on the New Zealand Forces to the Ist July, 1892, was signed by Colonel Hume as Acting Under-Secretary for Defence. Naturally there was little to say. The number of Volunteers was 6582 of all ranks, as against 6700 of the previous year. Of these 820 were North Canterbury men and 373 South Canterbury.
The Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry, during their six days’ training in October, 1892, were inspected by Colonel Fox; this was the first of his official inspections in Canterbury. There were 52 of all ranks present out of 73.
The Headquarters corps were inspected separately in November, from the 14th to 29th—at the Battalion parade 219 present out of 399, the small muster partly accounted for by heavy rain.
F
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The Mounted Rifles paraded 34 out of 42, the E. Battery 49 out of 63, the Engineers 36 out of 50, the Lyttelton Navals 65 out of 69, and the N. Battery 48 out of 52.
Colonel Fox’s inspections were the most thorough that had been made to that date.
1893.
In the early part of 1893 it was reported that the great majority of the Rifle Companies in the district were not in a very satisfactory position, as, though there were numerous resignations at the end of the year, very few recruits were joining. The question of rifles had something to do with the state of affairs, men being still armed with the old “Snider.”
The Easter Camp, 1893, for the North and South Canterbury Volunteers, was held at Purau from the 30th March to 3rd April, the Mounted Rifles being encamped at Port Levy. 634 of all ranks attended the manoeuvres.
At the annual Church Parade 327 are reported to have attended, “the number was considered creditable” since one corps, the Richmond Rifles, no longer existed.
Colonel Fox’s Report, which had been anxiously looked forward to, was made public on the 30th June, 1893. It was an able and honest one, the officers being treated without fear or favour, no matter what their position in life might he, even though they wrote “M.H.R.” after their names. Of course there was dismay amongst those who were reported on unfavourably, and the Press throughout the Colony “took sides” for or against the report. After a careful perusal, when seventeen years have passed, and personal feeling has long since been
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88
buried, it must be admitted that the majority of the officers in 1893 had reason to be proud of the report. 264 officers attended the several inspections, and they were individually reported on with the following results:—
Very good .. .. .. 38
Good .. .. .. 123
Fair .. .. .. 35
Indifferent .. .. .. 49
Bad .. .. .. 19
Total .. .. .. 264
That is, about two-thirds were reported as being “Very good” or “Good,” and one-third of the remaining officers were classed as “Fair.” It is questionable whether any profession, if subjected to a similar searching inspection by an accomplished expert, would have shown better results, results which had been obtained by men, who, to quote Colonel Fox, “had never had the chance of either example or instruction.”
The total number of all ranks in the Colony at this date was 4473.
At the inspection of the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry in October, Colonel Fox was present, and complimented the corps on their smartness and the manner they had taken up the new drill recommended by him the previous year.
Colonel Alexander Lean, the former Officer Commanding the Canterbury District, died suddenly on the 20th November, 1893, and was buried at Eiccarton on the 23rd November, a large muster of the North and South Canterbury Volunteers attending the funeral.
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At the end of November, 1893, the Defence Minister announced that a large number of Martini rifles had been ordered from England, with which to arm the New Zealand forces. This was the weapon which the Hon. the Minister for Defence (Mr. Fergus) had stated on the 29th May, 1889, was “practically obsolete.”
1894.
At the commencement of 1894 the Volunteers were in a bad condition; Colonel Fox’s report had been, to a great extent, ignored, and there were those who openly advised the corps to disband. The companies were very weak; at a Battalion Parade held in January, the united strength of the City Guards, College Rifles, Christchurch Rifles, and A. Company, was only 88, an average of 22 per company.
The New Zealand Rifle Association held its 33rd Annual Meeting at Hillsborough, in March, 1894. The total entries amounted to 210.
The Easter Encampment was held at Okair, north of Kaiapoi, the total of all ranks being 660, representing the North and South Canterbury corps.
At the annual Church Parade the Headquarters corps mustered 301 of all ranks.
It was announced on March 23rd that Colonel Fox had resigned; this was canvassed freely by the Press throughout the Colony in numerous articles, sides as usual being taken. It was also the opportunity for the anonymous scribbler to flood the papers with letters. There was some fuss made about the publication of Colonel Fox’s letter of resignation, and a Royal Commission was appointed to enquire into and report on the circumstances.
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90
On the Queen’s Birthday the North Canterbury Volunteers had a field day, and put in a very useful day’s work on the hills between Sumner and Lyttelton—present, 320 all ranks.
The Royal Commission reported on the Pox correspondence on the 20th June, 1894. At this date, when reading the report (which, with the evidence, ran to 47 pages) the whole proceedings appear “very small,” but one can understand how the Volunteer Force was languishing whilst the superiors were wrangling.
The Fox Commission was generally considered a fiasco and a failure. Mr. Reeves, a member of the Government, is reported to have said in reference to this Commission, “It was a blunder, and I hope neither this, nor any other Government, will ever set up such a Commission.”
Subsequently a fresh arrangement was made, the office of Commandant was abolished, and its powers were in future to be exercised by the Minister for Defence, and Colonel Fox accepted the appointment of Military Adviser. The Wellington “Post” said “That one of the ablest officers in the Imperial service has been retained for the Colonial defence system, is a fair subject for congratulation on the part of the Colony. The Government proves by its retention of the Colonel’s services, that it has all along recognised his value.” But, as many foresaw, the new arangement could not last, for there was nothing in common between the Minister for Defence and the Colonel; in all respects they were as far as the poles asunder.
The Royal Warrant granting the Volunteer Officers’ Decoration had been extended so as to
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include officers in the Colonies, and the first three New Zealand officers were awarded the decoration in September, 1894.
There were present 64 of all ranks at the Annual Training of the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry in October. The Inspecting Officer “had seen them for several years, and had never seen them better.”
At this date there were only three Rifle Corps at Headquarters. The average number of all ranks present at four Battalion parades in November and December, 1894, was 141, that is, excluding the band.
1895.
Early in 1895 the Canterbury Volunteers were armed with the Martini-Henri rifle, in the proportion of twenty rifles to each company. Subsequently all were armed with this weapon.
Colonel Fox held his annual inspections in March, 1895, and was generally satisfied with the work done.
On March Ist, 1895, new Regulations for the Volunteer Force (the ninth set) were issued. One paper remarked:—“ Volunteer regulations have been changed so often that a publication of a new set does not excite the same interest here that it would in a country where conditions are less mutable. . . . There is not a little truth in the contention that more depends upon the men than the rules.” This has not been realised by the Powers that be during the “fifty years of Volunteering” from first to last.
The Easter camp in 1895 was held at Kaituna, the force being encamped in a valley about three miles from the Kaituna railway station. The number of all ranks present was 543, composed of the North
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and South Canterbury corps. A good old-fashioned
“ sou’-wester, ” with heavy rain and wind blowing up the valley off Ellesmere Lake, rendered the camp a “record” one for discomfort. No work could be done, and all, even the keenest, were glad when the time arrived to break up camp.
At the annual Church Parade there were present 257 of all ranks. The Lyttelton corps were not represented, the Defence Department having refused passes by rail.
In a District Order, published on the 29th April, 1895, the Officer Commanding informed the Volunteers of the Canterbury District, including the South Canterbury District, that Colonel Fox had expressed to him his satisfaction in observing a general marked improvement in the various Volunteer corps in the district.
Arrangements had been made for a Field Day on the Queen’s Birthday, when instructions were received from Wellington that the E. Battery was to fire a Royal Salute on that day, but there was to be no parade of the other corps.
The “Lyttelton Times” on May 13th, 1895, when remarking on the Volunteer Field Day, said, “The Field Day on the Queen’s Birthday has been an institution in Canterbury for a dozen years at least, and the Volunteers of the district naturally feel chagrined when it is threatened. The feelings, of the Volunteers are, however, apparently of little moment in the eyes of the Defence Department, which seems to think that these men, who, at no little personal inconvenience, and in many cases, considerable expense, render valuable service to their country, may be slighted and snubbed with impunity. There is another aspect of the question
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which is applicable to the whole of the Volunteer Districts in the Colony. It is that any interference with the District Commandants in regard to a proposal to a parade on a particular day, is, in view of the present unorganised, or perhaps disorganised, state of the Volunteer force, a very undesirable intrusion on the discretion of those officers. It may be admitted that were the force properly organised, under one competent military head, and with one general system, it would be not only right, but also desirable, that such things should be adjusted by the controlling authority. At present, however, there is apparently no intelligent controlling power. Most of the District Commandants are highly competent, while the Defence Department is grossly incompetent, and the less the latter meddles with the former the better.”
This expression of public opinion by a Government paper, and others, in the Colony, caused the Defence authorities at the last moment to revoke the order prohibiting the Birthday Field Days, too late to enable arrangements to be made to hold one, but not too late to change the regret which officers felt at the abandonment of the field day, into contempt for the vacillating conduct of the authorities.
The E. Battery and Canterbury Mounted Rifles, however, paraded on the Birthday, and did some useful work on the Cashmere Hills.
There arose a ‘‘War Cloud” in 1895, consequent on the war between Japan and China, and the possibility of European Powers becoming involved. “Truth,” on July 11th, 1895, after recounting the warnings that had been given, continues; —“After all the attention our citizens have given to volun-
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94
leering, and all the money that has been spent by private individuals, and the Government, this (an efficient defence) should be an easy matter. At present it is an impossibility. At one time we could easily have put such a defence force as is required in the field, without any difficulty or delay, but the discouragement, the snubbing, and cheese-paring on the part of the Defence Office has been so persistent, that most of the Volunteer Companies have dwindled away, and most of the best men —privates and officers—have left the service in disgust.”
And so, once more, it required a “War Scare” to interest the public in the treatment, or mistreatment, of the Volunteers.
On the 20th July, 1895, the first Volunteer Officers’ Decorations were presented to Canterbury officers. The presentation was made in the old Drill Shed by Lieutenant-General Fulton, retired R.A. Five officers received the Decoration, three of them being Canterbury men, and two from the Oamaru district.
From Colonel Fox’s report for this year, it appears the total strength of the Volunteers was 217 officers and 4788 men, also 1942 cadets.
The Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry held the yearly training at Addington, 60 being present of all ranks. Colonel Fox was the Inspecting Officer, who, in his annual report, placed the corps as “very good.” During his visit to Canterbury, the Headquarters Corps, with the exception of the Canterbury Mounted Rifles, were inspected, the numbers present being respectively, the Engineers 50, placed “Good”; the E. Battery 44, “personnel good, materiel obsolete”; N. Battery 44, “considerably improved”; Lyttelton Navals, “very much
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improved”; Christchurch City Guards 53, “Very Good”; Christ College Rifles 42, “Good”; and Christchurch City Rifles 43, “Improving.” Notwithstanding the discouraging condition of the Volunteer Force, the several corps were working well.
1896.
At Easter, 1896, the North Canterbury corps encamped at Orari, 276 being present, and the South Canterbury, including the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry, at Temuka, with a strength of 277. The weather was bad, and consequently the musters small—and the operations of the two forces were greatly hindered. The North Canterbury Rifles at Headquarters, with the Rangiora and Kaiapoi Rifles, had been recently formed into a Battalion, and given a Lieutenant-Colonel, but its strength at Orari was only 118, exclusive of the band of 17.
At the annual Church Parade of the Headquarters Corps 302 of all ranks were present.
The Field Day on the Queen’s Birthday was held on the Port Hills, 142 men on the one side attacking 117 on the other, the latter defending Evan’s Pass. The muster was a small one, being 61 less than the number who turned out in 1894. The day was not a very instructive one, though possibly some officers became better acquainted with an important position in our defence.
The average attendance of the three Headquarters companies of the “battalion” was at this date, excluding the band, 44.
Colonel Pox inspected the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry at the annual training in October, 1896, 45 of all ranks being present, and a few days
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afterwards inspected the Canterbury Mounted Rifles in Hagley Park, at 6 a.m. These were the last inspections of the Colonel’s in Canterbury; his successor, Colonel Pole Penton, was then on his way to New Zealand. On Colonel Pox’s retirement, the Volunteer Force lost a good man. When his first report was published, the officers who —very properly—were reported “inefficient” were called
“Pox’s Martyrs,” but the Colonel may well he called the first martyr of those Imperial officers, who, having accepted the command of the Defence Forces of New Zealand, found on their arrival, their efforts to place the defences of the Colony on a proper footing, were disregarded, and set aside by those in power, who were themselves ignorant of any military knowledge.
Colonel Penton was gazetted Commandant of the New Zealand Forces in December, 1896, and Lieutenant Madocks a Major in the New Zealand Militia, as Staff Officer to the Commander of the Forces.
The Headquarters companies of the North Canterbury Battalion, accompanied by the Canterbury Mounted Rifles, marched- to Kaiapoi on the 19th December, 1896, leaving the Drill Shed at 7.50 p.m. On arrival, the Kaiapoi and Rangiora companies joined their battalion. The men were billeted in the Drill Shed. On the following day the Force was divided, and some small operations were carried out in the morning, followed in the afternoon by a march past in the Domain. The Canterbury Mounted Rifles numbered 32, the battalion 185.
At this period Company camps were held by the several corps. There was much to he said in favour of this custom; it enabled the instructors to pay
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more attention to individuals than when drilling larger numbers of men, and thus better prepare them for battalion camps.
1897.
Colonel Penton visited Christchurch in February, 1897, and inspected, unofficially, the Headquarters companies of the battalion. The number on parade, including the band of 21, was 139.
In March fifty Volunteers were selected to represent the Colony in the celebrations to he held in England on the 60th anniversary of Queen Victoria’s reign. Both the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry and Canterbury Mounted Rifles sent representatives.
After arrangements had been made for an Easter Camp at Amberley, the Minister of Defence countermanded them, the excuse being the expense involved in sending Home the Jubilee Contingents. Again public opinion, voiced by the Press, came to the rescue. The “Lyttelton Times,” in an article, remarked: “It will be marvellous if the camel-like meekness and endurance of the Volunteers of the Colony, does not break down beneath the ‘last straw’ of indignity and neglect just heaped upon their weary hacks by the Government.” In connection with the annual Easter Camps, another paper, writing on the same subject, commenced: “The present Government seem to have a fatal knack of always doing the wrong thing in connection with the Volunteers. It almost appears as if they deliberately set themselves to snub and discourage them in every way.” Finally instructions arrived for holding a camp, but again too late.
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In the absence of an Easter Camp, the Canterbury Mounted Eifles and College Ellies decided to have an encampment at Akaroa during the Easter holidays. The Mounted Eifles marched by road, and the College Eifles proceeded by sea to Port Levy, and thence marched to Akaroa. The number present is not available.
The annual Church Parade was attended by 305 of all ranks.
The New Zealand Contingent for the Jubilee Celebrations sailed from Lyttelton in April, and before leaving were entertained by the local Volunteers at a smoke concert in the Chamber of Commerce. There was a very large attendance of members of the Headquarters, Lyttelton, Kaiapoi, and Eangiora corps.
There were two incidents at this gathering worthy of record, one was of a sad, the other of a pleasing nature. Two Volunteers had been told 02 to the door to keep out anyone who was not in uniform. An elderly little man, in mufti, presented himself, but was promptly stopped. When he said he was a soldier, he was told “Go and put your uniform on.” Though surprised when he thought of the position he had held in the New Zealand Defence Forces but a few years before, he at once fell back. Shortly after Colonel Gordon appeared, and passed the door, and the stranger attempted to follow, but was promptly collared with a “Here, you, clear out of this,” when, to the astonishment of the doorkeeper, the Colonel quietly said, “This is General Sir George Whitmore, make way for him.” Sir George, who ten years before was well known by all Volunteers, felt his rejection keenly. As he sat down by the side of an officer, who at once addressed him by
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name, he replied, “You remember me, but I am a stranger to the young men, and my services are forgotten. ’ ’
The other incident was when Colonel Fox rose to address the gathering, and with one accord all cheered him again and again. To quote from a report: “A striking feature was the enthusiastic greeting given to Colonel Fox, a greeting which showed that the sterling merits of that officer, whatever may have been thought of him in some quarters, is recognised and appreciated by the Volunteers.’’
A District Order for a parade for a Field Day on the Queen’s Birthday was published on the 13th May. The same night the Record Reign Sports Committee met, and realized that the holding of a field day would militate against certain military events which had been included in the programme for the 24th May. The Mayor was asked to communicate with the Members of Parliament for Christchurch, asking them to use their interest to countermand the field day, and also to telegraph to the Minister of Defence, the result being that Colonel Penton sent a telegram to the Mayor as follows:—“ Have authorised the Commanding Officer to substitute ceremonial parade for field day Queen’s Birthday. This will not interfere with tournament.” There was great disgust amongst the officers over this interference, for maps had been prepared and all arrangements made for an instructive field day, and particularly at the additional proof that the arrangements of the Military authorities for benefiting the force were liable to be upset at a moment’s notice, by local, or political civilian influence—probably
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by men who had never given a day’s service, or expended a single penny for the welfare of the Volunteer Force. Telegrams passed between Wellington and Christchurch, and eventually the Field Day was held. The incident is unfortunately an example of the attitude of the public towards the Volunteers, when their own pleasure or wishes were opposed to the interests of the Force, and of the lamentable ignorance and indifference of a large section in regard to the Volunteer movement. During the “fifty years” there have been many instances of this, and as will be recorded, in the dying hours of the Volunteers of Canterbury, proof was given that this spirit still existed.
The field day on the 24th May, 1897, was held at Chaney’s Corner. The attendance was 381 of all ranks, and good use was made of the opportunity of acquiring a knowledge of the country in the vicinity.
On the 22nd June, 1897, at the celebration of the Diamond Jubilee of the accession of Queen Victoria, the North Canterbury corps, 572 of all ranks, and 184 cadets, took part in the procession.
There was a combined Cavalry Camp at Dunedin in October, which was attended by the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry, 42; Otago Hussars, 65; Canterbury Mounted Rifles, 45; and North Otago Mounted Rifles, 42. During the week the rain scarcely ceased, and Colonel Fenton’s inspection had to be a dismounted one, under shelter. After the inspection the Colonel informed the officers that those corps which had not already adopted the rifle and bayonet would have to do so at an early date.
During the month of November Colonel Fenton inspected the Christchurch and Lyttelton corps. The
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parades showed that the strength of the several corps had increased. The Government had also approved of a newly formed Rifle Company in Christchurch, being styled the Imperial Rifles. This corps officially dates from the 21st October, 1897. During the year the treatment of the Volunteers was as usual, “varying.” At Easter the Annual Camp was first refused, and then, when too late, permission was granted to hold one. An attempt to rob them of the Field Day on the Queen’s Birthday was nearly successful. Yet the corps kept to their work, so that after the Jubilee celebrations followed the usual “gush.” “The citizens are naturally proud of their Volunteers,” and so forth, praise which the veterans of the force have heard at intervals during their service, and estimate at its true value. But whether snubbed or praised, the Volunteers of 1897, like their predecessors, continued to do their duty, and in so doing found their reward.
1898.
In the early part of 1898 the several corps held their Company Camps, which were well attended, and the officers and men worked zealously. On March 25th it was reported “that out of the 1100 odd officers and men who formed the Volunteer force of Canterbury only 85 failed to qualify as ‘efficient volunteers.’ ” A new Garrison Band'had been formed at Headquarters, which was appreciated by the men, and from the numerous “smoke concerts” which were held at this period, it may be concluded the Volunteers were contented, and matters working smoothly.
The Easter Camp, 1898, was at Sumner. Twentyfive years had passed since the last camp was held
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there, and the old manoeuvring ground on the flat, where the “sham fight” took place, and which was then principally covered with thick manuka scrub—so thick that one captain of small stature was lost to his men-—was now occupied by numerous houses and enclosures, consequently all work was confined to the hills. Of the 700 men of all ranks at the camp of 1898, hut four “veterans” were present of those who attended the camp in 1873. The principal event was an attack on the Evans Pass position, which was ruled by the umpires to have failed. The South Canterbury Volunteers attended this camp.
In accordance with the custom for many previous years, an application was made for the grant of free passes for the Lyttelton corps to attend the annual Church Parade after the Easter Camp. The Defence Department refused them; even the Member for Lyttelton, who was a Government supporter, made an unsuccessful application, and was informed by telegram, the Commanding Officer of the Forces did not approve, seeing the parade was not for drill purposes. The Defence Minister concluded, “All available funds for passes required for inter-corps meetings, for drill and shooting purposes. You have a good church in Lyttelton. What need go from home. Best wishes.”
This very small “note” is inserted as an instance of the stupid blundering of officials in connection with the Volunteers. The remark about the Lyttelton church was uncalled for, and seeing the granting of free passes would not involve any actual expenditure, the railways being the property of the Government, the statement that no funds were available was a quibble. The Lyttelton Navals decided to attend the parade at their own expense.
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At the annual Church Parade, 299 of all ranks were present.
An article in the “Lyttelton Times” on April 12th thus refers to the Easter camp:— ‘ ‘ The good musters at the various Easter encampments held throughout the Colony, and the excellent work which apparently has been done, should convince the Government, which twelve months ago was anxious to abolish their gatherings, that they are of some value after all. The Canterbury encampment has been especially successful, as regards attendance, and the spirit in which the officers and men have carried out their duties. The Volunteers have shown that they are not by any means playing at soldiers, but that they are prepared to carry out any duties, however arduous, with intelligence and zeal. When they fail, it is certainly not from want of good will, but generally from want of knowledge, and that want is, to a considerable extent, removed even by the few days’ continuous training under fairly strict conditions, which they receive during an Easter encampment.”
In April a conference of Officers Commanding Districts was held at Wellington, which was of value, if only to compare notes of their respective commands.
It was notified on May 10th, 1898, that for the future a personal payment of 2/6 would be allowed those Volunteers who attended each of six Government Daylight Parades held during the Volunteer year, and at which not less than three-fourths of the corps, at the time, were present. The parades were to be held between 1 and 6 p.m., and not less than 2% hours’ continuous work was to be done in the open. The “personal payment” was the beginning
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of the end of the “Volunteer System.” The amount paid was insignificant as payment, but it struck a fatal blow at the best tradition of the force, namely, that their service, if faithfully done, was the highest a man could give, for it was freely given for their country. This tradition in the past had helped the Volunteers to tide over many bad times—some so bad, that a paid force would have been in mutiny.
On May 20th the Christchurch Cycle Corps was gazetted. A corps which has done good service, and is still with us.
The Field Day on the Queen’s Birthday was held in the vicinity of Burwood. The “idea” of the operation was that an enemy had landed on the New Brighton beach, and was advancing on Christchurch north of the river Avon. The attacking force numbered 135 of all ranks, and the defenders 189, making the total present 324. Drenching rain fell during most of the day.
The Officer Commanding the District, who, as a rule, was chary of praising men in District Orders, after the field day published the following:—
“The Officer Commanding the District desires to express his appreciation at the soldierly conduct of the Volunteers at the Field Day on the 24th instant under the circumstances of very adverse weather.”
The “Lyttelton Times,” of July 4th, 1898, when referring to the report of the Conference of Commandants, said: “As, however, the Government, Parliament, and people of the Colony seem at last to have realized that the Defence System is neither a mere play thing, nor a means of enabling certain individuals to make a livelihood, there is some chance that the latest report —when it appears—will not share the pigeon-hole of its predecessors.”
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“Everyone who thinks the Colony worth defending will agree, that an increase in the number of Volunteer Corps is necessary, and that we sorely need a ‘supply of small arms of modem type, munition of war, and ammunition.’ We must have a proper scheme of defence, in place of the utter want of system which prevails at present; and we must make reasonable provision for carrying that scheme into operation. On such a question there should be no parties in Parliament, or in the country, but men of all ‘Colours’ should unite in endeavouring to obtain the best possible provision for securing our country from invasion.”
The services of the Sydenham Rifles were accepted on the 12th August, 1898, and those of the Ellesmere Mounted Rifles on the sth August.
At the inspection of the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry during their annual training, the Canterbury Mounted Rifles also paraded, the former numbering 45 rank and file, and the latter 37.
During the month of October steps were taken at Linwood to form a new corps, and under the name of the Linwood Rifles their services were accepted on the 17th November, 1898.
The average number at parades of the Ist Canterbury Battalion, including the Cycle Corps and Band, during the months of November and December was 221.
On the 16th December (Anniversary Day) the E. Battery had shot and shell practice at Tai Tapu, the Field Days, on the Prince of Wales’ Birthday and Anniversary Day by this time had been abandoned.
1898 was a satisfactory year for the Canterbury Volunteers. The several corps had worked well,
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the duties at the Easter Camp and the Field Day on the Queen’s Birthday had been creditably performed, and the Press had drawn attention to the necessity of increasing the numbers, and still better, that the question of “Defence” should he one in which “party” consideration should not be allowed to prevail. In addition, in Canterbury two new Mounted Rifle corps, the Ellesmere and South Canterbury (20th September, 1898), two Rifle Corps, the Sydenham and Linwood, and one Cycle Corps had been formed. At the end of the year it appeared that the “varying fortune” of the Volunteer Force was improving.
1899.
The last year of the century opened quietly, apparently the work to be done by the Volunteers in 1899 would be similar to former years. It was little thought that before the end many of those serving in the Volunteer Force would be on active service in South Africa, It is well to keep in mind how quickly, and unexpectedly, we had to bear our share in that campaign, the remembrance warns us that if our Dominion is to take its place among the countries of the world we must always be prepared with an efficient Defence Force.
In February the Headquarters companies of the Ist Canterbury Battalion went into camp for a week’s training at Elmwood. During the encampment Colonel Penton made his inspection, 330 of all ranks being present.
The Easter Camp was held at Bottle Lake from the 3rd March to 3rd April, 1899. The Mounted Corps, consisting of the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry, Canterbury Mounted Rifles, Ellesmere
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Mounted Rifles, and South Canterbury Mounted Rifles, with a total strength of 111, were, with the E. Battery, encamped in the Cemetery Reserve. The Infantry, consisting of 375 North Canterbury Volunteers and 246 from South Canterbury, were about three-quarters of a mile north of the Mounted Camp. Some useful instruction was given in outpost duties, with a Field Day on Easter Monday.
At the annual Church Parade 263 of all ranks were present. The Lyttelton corps were not represented.
Amended Regulations were published in the “Gazette” on March 20th, 1899, prescribing the establishment of the officers, non-commissioned officers and men for the Volunteer Force, and the strength in each District. In the Auckland, Wellington, Canterbury, and Dunedin Districts, the strength was to be as follows:—4 Mounted Corps, 252 all ranks; 3 Naval, 312; 1 Field Artillery, 92; 1 Engineer, 63; 16 Rifle Companies, 1008; 1 Cycle Corps, 27; 1 Bearer Company, 27; and a Garrison Band, 26. Auckland and Wellington, in addition, to have each a Submarine Corps of 104 of all ranks. The strength in the Nelson District was to be 1 Mounted Corps, 63; 1 Field Artillery, 63; 8 Rifle Corps, 504; and a Garrison Band of 26.
At a Battalion Parade of the Headquarters companies of the Ist Canterbury, on the 12th May, 1899, 400 were present.
It was intended to hold the Annual Field Day on the Queen’s Birthday, the 24th May, at Chaney’s Corner, but after the E. Battery, with four guns, had started, it was reported that owing to recent heavy rain, a considerable portion of the ground intended to be worked over was under water. The Field Day was countermanded, and a Ceremonial
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Parade held in lieu in Hagley Park. The E. Battery, who had nearly reached Papanui, were recalled, and the order for the Rangiora and Kaiapoi Companies to entrain for Chaney’s Corner, countermanded. The number of all ranks present at the Parade in the Park was 373.
In July, 1899, the cabled information relating to the position in the Transvaal was serious, and the public became more interested in the question of defence.
Colonel Fenton’s Report on the 14th July gave the number of enrolled Volunteers on the 20th June, 1899, as being over 7000 men. He referred to the officers and non-commissioned officers as “the great weakness in the Volunteer Force,” though since his previous report, “a decided improvement has taken place in this respect.” “The officers as a body are keen to make themselves proficient, and gladly avail themselves of all opportunities of acquiring military knowledge, but as they rarely get their men together by daylight for field manoeuvres, they have not much chance of learning the practical part of the soldier’s profession.”
The Colonel was not satisfied with the progress of the non-commissioned officers, a large proportion of whom had “no command over their men, and seemed to think that so long as they give an order it is not their business to see that the men carry it out properly.” He added, “Unless a corps is strong in its non-commissioned rank it can never hope to be smart or efficient.”
Colonel Penton had recommended one corps to be disbanded for inefficiency, “but so far my recommendation has not been carried out.” The Colonel was finding that the welfare of the force had to be subservient to political considerations.
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On August 2nd the “Battle of Chaney’s Corner,” which had been countermanded on the Queen’s Birthday, was fought at a “Kriegsspiel” held in the Garrison Library. There was a numerous attendance of officers.
On September 29th, 1899, the day before the Boers were to make a final answer to the demands of the British, it was decided in the House of Representatives to offer a New Zealand Contingent for service in the Transvaal. The motion was carried by 51 to 5, the announcement being received by the House singing the National Anthem. New Zealand’s offer was accepted on October 3rd.
The annual training of the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry in October was attended by 51 of all ranks.
The scope of these notes will only permit a brief mention of the formation and departure of the several contingents for South Africa, though it is not forgotten the majority of the men in the early contingents, notably the first and second, were drawn from the Volunteers of New Zealand. On October 21st, 1899, the first Contingent for the Transvaal left Wellington amidst the greatest enthusiasm.
At a Battalion Parade of the Ist North Canterbury in November, 1899, 324 all ranks were present.
The last days of the century witnessed the 2nd Contingent for South Africa preparing for their departure, and also the first steps taken in Canterbury for the formation of a 3rd Contingent, the “Rough Riders.” There was great excitement in the Dominion, and during the “black week,” when matters appeared in rather a bad way, the Volunteers found they had gone up wonderfully in public estimation, and the ranks were consequently well filled.
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1900.
The daily papers at the commencement of 1900 were so full of matters relating to the various contingents that naturally little room could he spared for items relating to the Volunteers, and consequently small information can be obtained concerning them. On the 13th of January the Ist North Canterbury Battalion went into camp at Elmwood for a week’s instruction, the number being 281 all ranks.
The second New Zealand Contingent for service in South Africa left Wellington on the 20th of January, 1900, and the farewell was in no way short of the demonstration in the previous October when the first New Zealand Contingent sailed.
The idea of sending a contingent to South Africa, to be equipped and all expenses paid by public subscriptions, emanated in Canterbury; the people responded heartily, and the necessary funds were quickly raised. In a record of Canterbury Volunteers, it will be pardonable to take the following from an article in the Wellington “Post” early in January, 1900:—“ Canterbury Province, and the Christchurch City in particular, are to be congratulated upon the worthy example of patriotism they have set. The whole Colony is responding loyally to the call from South Africa, hut the City of the Plains has taken a noble lead in devotion to the Imperial idea.” The “3rd” was essentially a “people’s contingent”; the men were selected, instructed, equipped, and sent without Government aid or assistance in any particular. The numbers in No. 1 Company were —Canterbury 106 officers and men, Westland 10, and Westport 6. In addition a second Company was formed in the North
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Island, the expenses also being provided by public subscription. This, No. 2 Company, consisted of 59 from Wanganui, 48 from Hawke’s Bay, 18 from Taranaki and Hawera, and 10 from Gisborne. The first draft went into camp on the 26th January, and the complete contingent embarked at Lyttelton on the 17th February, 1900. After the farewell, when the Premier (the Hon. E. J. Seddon) was asked if the people were as enthusiastic as he expected, replied, “Enthusiastic! Why, if you had transplanted double the number of people from the most loyal county in the whole of England they could hardly have made more noise, or displayed more enthusiasm. Every part of the province, every part of the Colony, in fact, appeared to be represented, and no one who saw Christchurch and Lyttelton on Saturday can have any doubt about the patriotism of Canterbury.”
The North and South Canterbury corps were present at the departure of the 3rd Contingent, the total of all ranks being 703. Several corps in other parts of the Colony were also represented, their united strength being 98 all ranks.
In February and March a 4th Contingent was in process of formation at Dunedin, the expenses being borne by private subscriptions. The “4th” sailed from Dunedin on the 25th of March, 1900. There was no abatement of the enthusiasm of the public at the farewell; 620 of the Canterbury Volunteers were present in the procession.
But soon the fickleness of the public was to be shown. On March sth, 1900, the Canterbury men, who had volunteered for the sth Contingent to the number of 131, went into camp at Addington, where they remained until the 28th of March, when they
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proceeded to Wellington to join the “sth.” The men were Canterbury lads, similar to those who had preceded them, they had volunteered for the same service, yet, with the exception of the last Sunday afternoon, they were left severely alone, even the clergy of the different denominations, who were so anxious to attend to the welfare of 11 our Boys going to the front” when the “3rd” were in camp a few weeks before, were conspicuous by their absence. If the Officer Commanding the Camp had hinted the men of the Canterbury Kough Riders would like some bananas, cases would have been sent —but in return for a request for any for the ‘ ‘ sth ’ ’ he would probably not have received even the skin of one. The Canterbury War Fund Committee certainly gave the men a luncheon before they embarked, but on the day of departure the local Volunteers only numbered 130 men.
The services of the Ashburton Mounted Rifles were accepted on the 20th March, 1900, those of the Malvern Mounted Rifles and Amur! Mounted Rifles on the 11th April, 1900, and on the 14th of the same month those of the Waimakariri Mounted Rifles.
The Easter Manoeuvres in April, 1900, were held at “The Levels,” near Timaru. The Canterbury and Otago Volunteers were present, the total number of all ranks being 1731. The country was an ideal one for manoeuvres, the weather fine, and attendance good, yet nothing was done, no schemes had been thought out, and an excellent opportunity for doing some practical work was lost.
At the annual Church Parade on the 22nd April 496 of all ranks were present.
The services of the Gust Mounted Rifles were accepted on 6th May, 1900, those of the North
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Canterbury Mounted Rifles on the Bth of May, and of the Studholme Mounted Rifles on the 9th May. The Civil Service Christchurch Rifle Volunteers were also accepted on the 9th May, 1900.
On the Queen’s Birthday, the 24th May, the deferred operations at Chaney’s Corner were carried out, the total of all ranks present being 549. This was to be the last Parade on the Birthday of our late Gracious Queen Victoria, whose name had been honoured for so many years on the 24th of May, by succeeding generations of soldiers —by soldiers who had fought at Seringapatam in 1799 down to those who were then fighting in South Africa in 1900.
The following is taken from a statement on the Defences of the Colony, made in the House of Representatives on the 20th of July, 1900, by the Premier and Minister of Defence, when referring to the Volunteers: —“When the present Commandant of the Force took office our Volunteers numbered about 4,200. The number of officers and men now enrolled totals 11,500. There are, in addition, some ninety corps offering their services, which, if accepted would bring our total Volunteer Force up to over 18,000 officers and men. Most of the corps now offering their services are mounted. We take it for granted that approximately half would be mounted, and the other half infantry.”
Colonel Penton’s Annual Report bears date the 7th August, 1900. Referring to the strength, he said; “The corps accepted up to date would mean a volunteer force of 537 officers and 10,907 noncommissioned officers and men. So far the services of 28 new corps (of Mounted Infantry) had been accepted. It is an arm which is particularly suited
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for use in this Colony. A Mounted Infantry man should be more than an infantry man on a horse, he should be a good horseman, and accustomed to horses, and know how to find his way about the country, and each corps should have a certain number of men trained as scouts.”
From the above quotations it is evident that, at length the Mounted Infantry, or more properly Mounted Eifle, organisation for the mounted men in New Zealand, was recognised as best suited for the purpose of the Colony. There had been considerable opposition to “Mounted Eifles” when the first corps were formed.
The Colonel, when speaking of the officers, said: “They are generally keen to learn their duties, and only want sufficient opportunity to perfect themselves in practical work.” “There had been a great improvement in the non-commissioned officers’ ranks. ’ ’
The services of the Canterbury Highland and Canterbury Native Eifle Corps were accepted on the 10th September, 1900. In October there was a combined training of the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry and Ashburton Mounted Eifles. The men were encamped on the Agricultural and Pastoral Show Grounds at Addington. Number present, Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry 67, Ashburton Mounted Eifles 84.
Preparations were being made in October to celebrate the Jubilee of the Province, and the Defence and Eailway Departments were asked to assist in bringing the country corps to Christchurch to take part, but they decided not to facilitate their presence at the Jubilee Celebrations. In an article in the “Lyttelton Times” on 27th October, 1900,
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after pointing out “from a spectacular point of view nothing could exceed the value of a strong military element,” the writer continued, “The expense of sending even a small Commonwealth detachment of Mounted Infantry from New Zealand to Sydney, will probably be considerably greater than the modest amount our Exhibition authorities are asking from the Government, and which we think has been rather ungraciously refused. The attitude as now presented was a very poor return for the military enthusiasm that has been shown during the last twelve months. Canterbury was the first part of the Colony to raise a Contingent for service in South Africa by public subscriptions, and she has contributed in no niggard spirit to the many funds springing up in connection with the Transvaal War. Her exertions did not end even there, for a large number of new Volunteer corps have recently come into existence, the most valuable being the corps of Mounted Infantry that have been recruited from the rural pouplation. All these have made considerable sacrifices in time and money to render themselves proficient in their new profession of arms, and they deserve more encouragement than the refusal of the modest request made for them.”
This action on the part of the Government is typical of the “Official Spirit” when dealing with the Volunteers. Subsequently the infantry were brought from South Canterbury, At any rate, the public were regarding the Volunteers favourablv
The Regulations were further amended on the 3rd December, 1900. One was as follows Active service as an officer in any arm for a period of not less than six months with Her Majesty’s Forces, or Auxiliary Forces, shall, notwithstanding Regulation
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41, or anything to the contrary, be and be deemed to be equal to having passed an examination to that fixed for such rank, and arm, and a commission may he granted accordingly.” Considering the very mild examination an officer had to pass, the rule was not complimentary to the intelligence of the gallant warriors, nor did it tend to improve their fitness for command.
The celebration of the Jubilee of the Canterbury Province was held on the 17th December, 1900. The total number of all ranks present was 1118 with 111 cadets. The Mounted Corps were 268 strong, more than a fifth of those on parade.
The “March Past” was thus referred to in a local paper:—“ The citizen soldiers went by, a force of which Canterbury may be proud. Twelve hundred men and lads of fine physique and stalwart bearing marched by. There are few “weeds” in the Volunteer corps of to-day. Our Volunteers have shown by giving up their lives, that they are no sham soldiers. No witling dare sneer at them now, and the flower of the Colony’s youth recognise that it is an honour to be enrolled in the ranks of her defenders. The ranks, therefore, are filled with men of the ‘right stamp,’ and the veterans who, in years gone by, stuck to the colours, through evil report and good report, have cause to rejoice exceedingly. The most striking feature of the parade was the excellent body of Mounted Corps, upwards of 250 fine men, riding for the most part, fine horses. The number was not so very large after all, but it was the largest body of military horsemen that has ever been seen in Canterbury, and it would have been larger still had the Government been sufficiently generous or sufficiently well advised to have granted
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the railway facilities which would have enabled the Mounted Corps of the far north and far south parts of Canterbury to have attended.”
By notice on the 28th December, 1900, men were invited to join a Sixth Contingent for service in South Africa.
“1900” will long he remembered in the Dominion as the “Contingent Year,” and in Canterbury, in particular, as the year when the “People’s Contingent” was formed for service in South Africa. As regards the Volunteer Force, the rapid increase in the strength was remarkable. From the Army List for 1904, when some of the corps, whose services had been accepted in 1900 had ceased to exist, there still remained of those formed in that year, 46 corps of Mounted Rifles, 2 of Engineers, and 42 of Rifle Volunteers. Canterbury had 8 new corps of Mounted Rifles, and 3 of Rifle Volunteers.
Though corps offered freely, and their services were as freely accepted, so far as regards Canterbury, no adequate steps were taken to organise or instruct the country corps, many of which in their infancy, with officers and men entirely new to their work, had to struggle along with occasional visits by a Staff Sergeant. It is in the early days of its existence that a corps requires the best attention, officers and men are never again in such a state of receptivity, and they naturally, to a great extent form themselves on the standard of those who first instruct them.
1901.
On January the Ist, 1901, at the birth of the Commonwealth of Australia, a contingent of New Zealand Volunteers, containing some from Canterbury, took part in the celebration at Sydney. The
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New Zealanders were brigaded with contingents from Queensland, Tasmania, West Australia, and South Australia, under the command of Colonel Penton, the New Zealand Commandant.
In this month the “6th” Contingent for service in South Africa was formed; the first draft from Canterbury left for Wellington on the 6th January.
The North Canterbury Battalion went into camp for two weeks’ training on the 12th January, with a strength of 271 all ranks.
A second draft for the “6th” left for Wellington on the 15th January, accompanied by a draft of 25 men, who had been raised, mounted, and equipped by the Canterbury War Fund Committee, to fill up vacancies in the Canterbury Troop of the 3rd Contingent. The men were selected from the mounted corps. Before they left their camp at Christchurch they were addressed by the Mayor (Mr. Wm. Reece); afterwards, headed by the Garrison Band and E. Battery, they marched to the railway station, “having the Christchurch Engineers for a main rear guard, and a squad of the North Canterbury Battalion as a kind of reserve.” There was a large crowd at the railway station, and also at Lyttelton, to witness the departure.
Queen Victoria died on the 23rd January, 1901. It was announced in a “Local” that in accordance with the custom of issuing no military orders for twenty-four hours after the death of a reigning sovereign, none would be issued from the local Defence Office until the afternoon of the 24th January.
The “6th” left Wellington for Auckland on the 26th January. By this time the spectators are spoken of as “a considerable crowd.” However
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those present appeared to have been as enthusiastic as ever. At Auckland 109 men joined, and the “Cornwall” finally left New Zealand on the 30th January with 560 men on hoard.
February 2nd, 1901, funeral of the Queen. This was observed as a day of mourning throughout the Empire. The Headquarters corps paraded 307 of all ranks, and, with the exception of two corps who marched to Avonside Church, attended the funeral service at the Cathedral. The College Rifles, by permission, did not attend the parade.
The B. Battery paraded again in the evening, and marched to Market Square (now Victoria Square) with 4 6-pr. Nordenfeldts, and fired 82 minute guns. At the close of the firing, in accordance with Government orders, the flags in the city were run up to the peak, and shortly after hauled down.
The Imperial troops, who were present at the Commonwealth celebrations at the commencement of the year, arrived at the Bluff on the sth February. After visiting Invercargill and Dunedin they came to Christchurch on the 7th February, 1901, the total number being 805, under the command of Colonel Crole Wyndham, C.8., of the 21st Lancers. The Force consisted of representatives of the Household Cavalry, Cavalry of the Line, Eoyal Horse, Field and Garrison Artillery, Eoyal Engineers, Foot Guards, and Infantry of the Line, also of the Auxiliary Forces. On arrival on the evening of the 7th, the men marched, preceded by an escort of the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry, to the Jubilee Exhibition building, adjacent to the Canterbury Hall, and were entertained at supper by the Reception Committee. “The streets were crowded with an enthusiastic and frantically
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cheering population.” After supper the men returned to Lyttelton and joined their troopship, the “Britannic.”
On the Bth February the Canterbury Mounted Corps, to the number of 270 all ranks, paraded at noon at the railway station, on arrival from Lyttelton at 12.30 a.m. of the Imperial Cavalry, the latter were mounted on horses of the Canterbury men. At 2 p.m. the North Canterbury Volunteers, 331 of all ranks, arrived, and shortly after the main body of the Imperials, and the whole then marched to Hagley Park. A large but orderly crowd had assembled in the Park. Though the crowd was
“big and unwieldy, the local Volunteers were equal to the occasion,” and formed a square, into which the soldiers went, and all were able to witness the military display given by them. Afterwards the officers and men were entertained at the Exhibition Buildings. At 6 p.m. the troops returned to Lyttelton, and sailed at 7.30 p.m. for Wellington.
In February the “7th” Contingent for service in South Africa was formed. Those who volunteered in Canterbury were first passed medically, and in riding, and then forwarded to the camp at Wellington. By this time the formation of a Contingent created no excitement, it had become a normal condition of our lives.
On Sunday, the 31st March, the colours, the gift of the ladies of Canterbury to the Volunteers in 1864, but which, like them, had experienced a
“variable” career, were consecrated by the Bishop of Christchurch, that ceremony not having been performed at the time of presentation. The Rifle Companies at Headquarters paraded at the Drill Shed grounds on this occasion, 399 of all ranks
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being present. There was a large gathering of the public, the crowd being closely packed all round the grounds.
A representative Indian Contingent arrived at Christchurch on March sth, 1901, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel L. S. Peyton, and were welcomed at the railway station by the Mayor of Christchurch (Mr. Wm. Reece). The Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry, Canterbury Mounted Rifles, North Canterbury Mounted Rifles, and Waimakariri Mounted Rifles had previously paraded at the railway station, and on arrival of the Indian Troops (which consisted of 35 officers and 63 non-commis-sioned officers) the officers and men of the Canterbury corps handed over their horses to the visitors. A procession was formed in the following order: —The dismounted Canterbury men marching on foot, then local Volunteers (252 of all ranks) Colonel Penton and his staff, the Indian Troops, the mounted men leading with the infantry in rear, and after them a rear guard of the Canterbury Mounted Rifles. The whole force marched through the streets of Christchurch, returning to the railway station, when the men were dismissed. The European officers lunched at the Canterbury Club, and the Native officers and non-commissioned officers at the Drill Shed. The Indian Contingent left the same evening for Wellington in the “Dalhousie.”
On the 6th March the Officer Commanding the District published an Order, by direction of the Commandant of the Forces, expressing the latter’s approval of the conduct and bearing of the Volunteers who paraded in Christchurch on the sth instant. The corps who supplied horses for the Indian Troops he specially commended.
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In March, 1901, it was announced the usual Easter Encampments would be abandoned, with the view to holding them on a larger scale at the time of the visit of the Duke and Duchess of York in June. This was a proposition which did not find much favour with the Canterbury Volunteers at the time.
March 19th, the last draft of Canterbury men for the 7th Contingent left for Wellington. “The sendoff was a very quiet one, there being an entire absence of the enthusiasm which had attended the departure of the men who had left during the past eighteen months,” so reported one of the local papers, but though they left so quietly, their reward was to come, for several of the men in the draft were fated to take their share in the gallant little fight at Bothasberg on the 23rd of February, 1902.
During the Easter holidays the Canterbury, Waimakariri, and North Canterbury Mounted Rifles, with the E. Battery, carried out some small operations on the Port Hills, between Governor’s Bay and Lyttelton. The numbers are not available. The Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry went into camp at Meadowbank at the same time, present 56.
The “7th’’Contingent, 490 strong, left Wellington on the 6th April, 1901, for South Africa. “There was a considerable number of people who witnessed the departure.”
At the annual Church Parade on the 14th April, 611 of all ranks were present.
The “3rd” Contingent (the Canterbury Rough Riders), with men of other returning contingents, arrived at Christchurch on the evening of May 9th, 1901, The local Volunteers, to the number of 583 all ranks, paraded at the railway station at 7 p.m. So great a crowd had assembled that it was with
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difficulty a space could be kept to enable the Mayor (Mr. A. E. G. Rhodes) and the Premier (the Hon. R. J. Seddon) to address the Contingent on arrival. After the welcome, the men marched, or rather fought their way through the dense crowd, to the Cathedral, the doors of which had to be closed to keep those outside from rushing the building. After a short service the men were dismissed. On the following day they were entertained at a public luncheon in the Art Gallery, at 1 p.m., and in the evening, at a conversazione in the Industrial Hall.
The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York arrived in Canterbury on the 22nd June, 1901. Volunteers from all parts of the Dominion had been assembled at Christchurch previously. The Canterbury Mounted Corps, with a strength of 1018 all ranks, were encamped at the Agricultural and Pastoral Grounds, Addington, 173 of the Otago and Southland Mounted Rifles at the Addington Saleyards, the Infantry in the South Park, and the Cadets at the Normal School Buildings.
Their Royal Hignesses were welcomed at the railway station, Christchurch, by the Mayor (Mr. A. E. G. Rhodes) and then escorted by the Canterbury Mounted Corps to the Provincial Council Chambers. After the presentation of addresses, the Duke and Duchess proceeded to Victoria Square, where the former laid the foundation stone of the Memorial now standing there. After the conclusion of the ceremony the Royal visitors were escorted to Te Koraka, 77 the residence of the Mayor, which had been placed at their disposal during the visit to Christchurch.
On Monday, the 24th June, there was a Review in Hagley Park. The total number of all ranks present,
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including Cadets, being 10,745. The weather was perfect, an ideal New Zealand winter’s day, and the crowd of spectators from all parts of the Colony was a record one, not only in number but behaviour. After his Royal Highness had inspected the lines, the troops marched past, and then advanced in Review Order. The Parade movements were most creditably performed. Medals were presented to returned Contingenters, and a body of veterans inspected on the ground by his Royal Highness.
In the evening there was a Royal Reception in the Canterbury Hall, the local Volunteers furnishing the Guard of Honour.
The Officer Commanding the District on the 25th June, by direction of the Commander of the Forces, published a District Order, in which the latter desired to communicate to all ranks of the Volunteer Force taking part in the Review before his Royal Highness the Duke of Cornwall and York at Christchurch on the 24th instant, his entirely favourable appreciation of the conduct and bearing of all ranks. His instructions were carried out to his complete satisfaction by officers and men, all movements were well and correctly executed, and he congratulated the troops on the excellent execution of the instructions issued to them.
The “Lyttelton Times” of the 25th June, 1901, in an article on the Royal Visit, said: “The Review saved the whole celebration in connection with the Royal Visit in Christchurch from any charge of dullness.” So once more the Volunteers had pleased everyone.
In August, 1901, the various corps were being instructed in the use of the Lee Enfield rifle, a weapon shortly after issued to the Force.
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At the unveiling of a Memorial tablet, to men who had died in South Africa, at St. Mary’s Church, Addington, on the 2nd September, there were present 640 of all ranks, who specially paraded for the occasion.
Colonel Fenton’s last report bears date the Ist September, 1901. He referred to “the past year” as “a memorable one in the military annals of the Colony, our men in South Africa have maintained the high reputation of the New Zealand soldiers, earned during the first year of the war, and those now on active service are worthy successors to the men who fought and served so well during the earlier portion of the war.”
The Colonel considered the visit of the Imperial and Indian Troops “had an excellent effect on the force as a whole, and many of them saw for the first time the result of systematic military training. The way in which the Mounted Corps and individual officers came forward with horses to mount the Imperial Cavalry and Artillery, and the Indian Cavalry, was worthy of praise. Our Volunteers did all that lay in their power to make the stay of the guests a pleasant one, and a feeling of camaraderie sprang up between the Imperial, Indian, and Colonial soldiers worthy of the Army of the Empire.” The total of all ranks in the Colony on the Ist July, 1901, was 17,057.
Colonel Fenton strongly pointed out “the wrong system they were perpetuating by centralising all the work. Neither the Commandant nor Officers Commanding Districts, had anything like the discretionary power they should have. The system in the Colony is infinitely worse than anything I know of in any part of the Empire,” and further said,
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“one great lesson learnt by the Imperial authorities from the present war is decentralisation and delegation of authority to officers who are entrusted with important commands.”
“A School of Instruction had at last been established, and an Imperial officer appointed Commandant of the School.” In conclusion the Colonel expressed his pleasure at leaving the Defence Force of the Colony in a considerably better position to take the field than when he entered upon his command. “During my term of office, the defences have been strengthened, and the strength of the Force has been raised to an amount amply adequate for the defence of the Colony. They will shortly all be armed with modern magazine rifles, and are better equipped, trained, and organised than they were five years ago.”
Colonel Fenton shortly after completed his term in the Colony and returned to England. There is evidence in his reports that he had little opportunity of carrying out his suggestions for the welfare of the Defence Forces of New Zealand. Almost his last words as Commandant, as quoted above, were a protest against the existing system in carrying out the work of defence. A system “infinitely worse than anything he knew of in any part of the Empire,” and also against the lack of discretionary power allowed to officers with important commands. The Colonel, however, had “luck” with him, inasmuch, that during the last two years of his command, the despatch of the several contingents, the Royal Visit, and those of the Imperial and Indian Troops, and other unusual functions, occupied a great part of his time, and from the nature of the work which had to be performed even a New
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Zealand Government was compelled to accept the advice of a trained soldier. But for this, we may fairly assume his fate would have been similar to his predecessor.
On the 24th September, 1901, Colonel Henry Gordon retired from the command of the Canterbury District, and Lieutenant-Colonel William Holden Webb was transfered from the Otago District to the Canterbury District, vice Colonel H. Gordon, retiring.
By the retirement of Colonel Gordon the Volunteers of Canterbury lost an accomplished gentleman, a talented soldier, and warm-hearted friend.
Early in October the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry and Ashburton Mounted Rifles went into camp at Addington for the annual training. There were about 70 men of each corps in camp. At the inspection by the Officer Commanding the District on the 12th of October, he was “well pleased with the efficient manner in which the men had carried out their duties.” During this month, and the early portion of November, the several country corps of Mounted Rifles in the Canterbury District held their annual trainings.
On December the Bth, 1901, New Zealand offered to England an“Bth’’Contingent for service in South Africa. This offer was accepted. Recruiting for the “Bth” commenced on the 19th December, and by the 23rd 34 officers and 466 men had offered their services in Canterbury. Those accepted were sent into camp at Addington, and the year ended, as it commenced, with the formation of a Contingent for active service in South Africa,
1901 was a notable year in the history of the Canterbury Volunteers. The death of “Our Queen”
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was deeply felt by the elder members of the Force, those of mature age, who / could remember the intense affection and personal regard their fathers and mothers bore for “the Queen,” and all the noble traditions of the early Victorian Era. In that faith they had been brought up. Without the Birthday Parade or Field Day—so long an institution in Canterbury—the times seemed sadly “out of joint.” The Eoyal Visit, and the numerous other functions threw much work on the Volunteers, additional to their ordinary duties, but, as can be gathered from the foregoing notes, that work had been performed by all ranks to the satisfaction of their Military Superiors, and of the public.
1902.
During January, 1902, the “Bth” Contingent for service in South Africa was organised and equipped, the North Island Battalion at Wellington, and the South at Addington. As the war dragged on the strength of the later Contingents was increased, the “Bth” being 1000 strong.
On January 20th the Government received an intimation from the Secretary of State for the Colonies that his Majesty’s Government would be glad to have another Contingent of 1000 men, on the same terms as the “Bth,” and active steps were at once taken to raise the required men for the 9th Contingent.
The Nqrth Canterbury Infantry Battalion went into camp for eight days’ training on the 25th January, 1902, present 431 of all ranks. About the same time the E. Battery encamped at the old Heathcote racecourse for fourteen days’ training.
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On the 29th January the North Island Battalion of the “Bth” Contingent sailed from Wellington to Auckland, where a draft from that city increased their strength, before finally leaving for South Africa. Major-General James Melville Babington, the new Commandant of the New Zealand Forces,' was present at the departure from Wellington.
General Babington paid his first visit to Canterbury on February 6th, and inspected the camp of the Bth Contingent at Addington.
The Bth of February was a busy day at Christchurch and Lyttelton, the selected men for the 9th Contingent, to the number of 120 were quietly embarked for Wellington, and later in the day the South Island Battalion of the “Bth” left for service in South Africa. Though there was not the same wild enthusiasm as when the “3rd” left two years previously, yet the “Bth” had a good “send off.” If speeches make good soldiers, the men of this Contingent should have been perfect warriors. They were addressed by the Premier (the Hon, E. J. Seddon), the Hon. W. C. Walker, the Mayors of Christchurch and Lyttelton, General Babington, and others. The shortest and best address came from the General, who gave the men some excellent advice on discipline. The number of spectators was estimated at 10,000. On this occasion the local Volunteers paraded, 571 of all ranks being present.
The North Island Battalion of the 9th Contingent was mobilised and equipped at Auckland, the South Island at Dunedin.
On March Ist, 1902, news was received of the fight at Bothasberg on the 23rd February, where the 7th Contingent bore a distinguished part in the repulse
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of a night attack by the Boers. The Officer Commanding reported 49 casualties, all in the trenches, killed 22, wounded 27. The news caused some excitement in Christchurch, for many of the men were Canterbury lads.
The South Island Battalion of the “9th” left Dunedin on the 12th March for South Africa, and the North Island Battalion sailed from Auckland on the 19th March.
An offer had been made by New Zealand to furnish another Contingent of 1000 men, and on the 19th March a cable was received from the Secretary of State for the Colonies, dated March 18th, stating his Majesty’s Government would gratefully accept the offer. On the 22nd March recruiting for the 10th was energetically commenced.
A District Order on the Ist April, 1902, announced it had been decided to fill portions of the Coronation Contingent with returned troopers of the different Contingents, and application by Canterbury men who desired to he selected were to be addressed to the District Adjutant.
There was no Easter camp in 1902, nor was any work done by the Volunteers on their own account.
The camp of the South Island Battalion of the 10th Contingent was at Addington, and on the 4th of April the first draft of recruits were passed in.
The annual Church Parade was held as usual at the Christchurch Cathedral on the 6th April, the number present being 619 of all ranks.
The North Island Battalion of the “10th” left Wellington on the 14th April for South Africa, the Premier (the Hon. E. J. Seddon) and Mrs. Seddon, and the Coronation Contingent sailed in the same vessel. It was reported “as prior Contingents left
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the port, it had been the custom to give the troops an official farewell, but this was dispensed with to-day, as all there was to say had been given by the Premier, the Mayor, and others at the Citizen Luncheon on Saturday. ’ ’ So the ‘ ‘ 10th ’ ’ had something to he thankful for.
The South Island Battalion of the 10th Contingent left on the 19th April, marching from their camp at Addington through the city, with the local Volunteers leading, to the railway station, and thence by rail to Lyttelton. “The embarkation of the Contingent at Lyttelton was, by general consent, the best managed affair of the kind that had taken place in Port.” It would have been strange if by this time experience had not been gained in the embarkation of troops. “The streets were thronged, though the cheering was not so loud as on former occasions.” This was the last body of men sent to South Africa, though not strictly coming within a record of “Volunteers,” reference has been made to the Contingents, for throughout the Colony a large number of Volunteer officers and non-commissioned officers did excellent work during their formation.
On June Ist, 1902, the Declaration of Peace was signed at Pretoria.
The Coronation of King Edward was to have been celebrated in New Zealand on the 28th June, 1902, and all military arrangements were in readiness when, on the 26th June, it was announced the Coronation had been postponed owing to the serious illness of the King.
Major-General Babington’s first report bears date the Ist July, 1902. Owing to the calls on his time, consequent on the departure of the Contingents, he had been unable to inspect many of the corps during the few months he had been in New Zealand.
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It appeared the total strength of the Volunteers on the Ist July was 15,391, of them 2829 were Canterbury men, 1135 of whom were Mounted Rifles. The General reported: “An excellent spirit pervades all ranks. Officers and men are anxious to learn, and to do things the right way—better material for soldiers would he hard to find.”
The Bth Contingent returned on the 3rd of August, and the remainder of the troops who had served in South Africa shortly after.
The King was crowned on the 9th August, 1902, and on that day the Coronation was celebrated at Christchurch. The principal morning attraction was the Volunteer Parade and Review in Hagley Park, the weather, “though certainly not ‘King’s weather,’ was fair with no wind,” but the streets were muddy from recent rain. The Volunteers paraded at the Drill Shed and marched to the Park, when the E. Battery fired a Royal Salute of 101 guns, and the Infantry a feu de joie, followed by three cheers for King Edward. The troops then marched past. The attendance was 980 of all ranks, which included 127 Cadets. Towards the end of the day the weather changed, and heavy rain set in.
On September Bth, 1902, a Memorial to the Canterbury members of the 3rd Contingent, who died in South Africa, was unveiled at the Cathedral. Under 100 Volunteers were present, and but very few of the general public. The scant attendance was a striking contrast to the excited crowd who struggled for admittance when the “3rd” marched to the Cathedral on the evening of their return from South Africa, but the same hysterical crowd had then a new sensation, and were streaming past the Cathedral doors to hear some American Revivalists.
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There is little recorded of the Volunteers during the remainder of the year, the departure of the later Contingents, and subsequently their return, left little space in the Press for the doings of the Volunteers in 1902. The number appears to have kept up fairly well, and the attendance at trainings, Battalion camps, and so forth, was good. At the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry training 52 were present, and at a parade of the North Canterbury Battalion on October 18th 377 of all ranks, but no work had been done at Easter, nor was there a single field day during the year. However, the School of Instruction was becoming a live institution, and a fair proportion of officers were found willing and anxious to improve their knowledge.
1903.
During the war the Press, of all shades of politics, refrained from worrying the Government on defence matters, —-this should be recorded with commendation, —but at the commencement of 1903 there was “retrenchment” in the air, and one of the first criticisms appeared in the “Lyttelton Times,’’which was a Government paper. In an article on the Bth January, when referring to the “pruning of the Defence Force,” the writer remarks, “We do not pretend to know enough of the personnel of the staff to say whether the Commandant has commenced his pruning operation in exactly the right direction, but we hope they will not stop at the retirement” of senior officers. “There are younger officers of more recent appointment who seemed even when the department was being run at high pressure, to have some difficulty in keeping themselves employed. Some of them, we are afraid, owed their position
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rather to the political influence of their friends than any conspicuous ability of the owner. But Major-General Babington is doubtless aware of their value to the service. He is a quiet observer, as well as a keen soldier, and a fearless administrator, and if he is given a fairly free hand in re-organising the Department we may be sure that the Colony will have little cause to complain of the result.”
“A fairly free hand” and absence of “political interference,” the writer was wise in his generation, but the General was not destined to see so desirable a combination during his command.
The Infantry Battalion went into camp at the Agricultural and Pastoral Show Grounds on the 25th January, 1902, for a week’s training, the numbers are not given, though it was reported 500 Volunteers were encamped on the Grounds the night before the military sports on the Saturday. This probably included competitors of other branches of the service.
A District Order on the 14th February announced that Lieutenant-Colonel W. H. Webb had been transferred from the command of the Canterbury District to that of Wellington. During the period of Colonel Webb’s command his time was to a great extent occupied with the formation of the later Contingents, which no doubt accounted for the fact that no field days were held in the District during 1902.
The Christchurch Drill Shed was destroyed by fire on the night of the 21st of February, 1903. For want of funds it had fallen into decay, and had not been used by the Volunteers for some months before its destruction. To Volunteers who remembered the
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building as a new one, the envy of visiting Volunteers from other Districts, the old shed recalled many memories of past days, and lost comrades, but few remained in 1903 who retained any sentiment for the place; it had done its work. If it had not been burnt it would, like many an old officer at this date, have been “retrenched,” or in other words, put aside.
The E. Battery, in the gun shed adjoining, lost their harness, and portions of the gun carriages and limbers were also badly charred.
Colonel T. W. Porter, C.8., who had been appointed to the command of the Canterbury District, arrived in Christchurch on the 4th March, 1903.
During Easter some very mild operations were carried out in the vicinity of the Waimakariri. The North Canterbury Mounted Rifles, less than 100 in strength, represented ’an enemy which had landed above Kaiapoi and were marching on Christchurch, the passage of the river being opposed by a small force, consisting of 71 Mounted Rifles, the E. Battery numbering 45, and representatives of the Rifle Companies, 89 in all. General Babington, who was present, remarked the enemy had been set, under service conditions, an impossible task. After the
“fight” the Mounted Rifles marched to Addington, where they encamped until Easter Monday, on which day the General inspected them.
At the annual Church Parade on the 20th of April, 649 of all ranks were present.
On Empire Day, May 26th, 1903, the Statue of Queen Victoria on the Jubilee Memorial in Victoria Square was unveiled in the presence of a large concourse of citizens. There was but a poor muster of the Volunteers, the number being 195.
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In July the Lyttelton Naval Artillery and N. Battery at Lyttelton, were constituted an Artillery Division under a Major. Both these corps have done excellent work in the Volunteer Force.
Major-General Bahington’s Report for 1903 bears date the Ist August. When referring to the “Stall and Organization,” like his predecessors, the General had to regret his recommendations had not been given effect to. The strength of the Volunteer Force, exclusive of Cadets on the Ist August was 13,934. Of these Canterbury had 1 Battery of Field Artillery, 86; 2 companies of Garrison Artillery, 156; 1 company of Engineers, 82; 3 battalions of Mounted Rifles, 893; 2 battalions of Infantry (in all 21 companies), 1,191; 1 Bearer Corps, 43; and 1 Garrison Band, 25; making a total of 2,476.
All corps were armed with the Magazine Rifle. The School of Instruction was doing good work. Since the Ist April, 1902, 375 officers and noncommissioned officers had passed through courses.
The General observed: “From some cause or other the Defence Force of this Colony does not occupy that position which its work and importance to the Colony entitle it to. Its members give their time, and in many instances, their money, in the course of learning that profession which will alone serve the country in the hour of need, and they deserve the greatest credit for doing so. As we all know, when war comes the Military occupy the first place in the people’s thoughts, and it does not seem equitable that in peace they should occupy the last, but for the most part this is the case. Men, by becoming Volunteers, put their loyalty into a practical form. They are the insurance against war
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risks for the country and for those who, for one reason or another, give no time to Military Training.”
The Commandant found “generally speaking, an earnest desire evinced throughout the Defence Force to adopt those means requisite for efficiency.” It was further noted that “the Volunteer Regulations had been re-written.”
During October, November, and December, the majority of the corps held their training camps, and the attendance was generally good, in some cases excellent.
On November the 13th, 1903, the North Canterbury Infantry Corps were divided into two battalions, No. 1 Battalion to date from Bth October, 1895, and No. 2 Battalion from the 7th October. 1903.
In December the Commandant of the Military School of Instruction, Lieutenant-Colonel R. H. Owen conducted an examination of officers on Theoretical Tactics, Musketry, Topography, and Fortification.
Though the only work done in the open by the Canterbury Volunteers in 1903 was the trifling manoeuvres at Easter, yet the several corps had quietly progressed during the year, and the report of the Commandant on the Volunteer Force generally was a satisfactory one, so far as the officers and men were concerned.
1904.
During the months of January and February of 1904 the corps that had not held their annual training before the end of the previous year went into camp for that purpose. The Battalion parades
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at this period had poor attendances. On the 6th January four companies of the Ist North Canterbury, with the Cycle Company, only mustered 149, and this was about the average.
In February Russia was at war with Japan, the papers, consequently took more interest in the Defence Force. In an article on “The Colony’s Defences,” in the “Lyttelton Times” of February 24th, it was remarked: “It is desirable also that the Volunteers should be given early experience of active service conditions, and the Easter encampments all over the Colony this year should be planned with the object of exercising the men in field work. Full musters should be required, even, if necessary, to compensate the men for the loss of a day’s wages. The Government is not in the habit of taking the public into its confidence with regard to the stocks of arms and ammunition, but this is obviously a department which should not be overlooked. A little extra activity this year may involve an increase of expenditure, but Parliament is not likely to object even if the estimates are exceeded.” It will be remembered at the commencement of 1903 the cry was “retrenchment,” but at the mildest of “War Scares” it was “place our Volunteers on a better footing and hang the expense.” And so it has been throughout the existence of the Volunteer Force. The Emperors of Russia were truly the greatest friends to Volunteers.
Within a few weeks of Easter, 1904, it was announced there would be encampments; shortly after, on the 15th of March, the Minister for Defence (the Right Hon. R. J. Seddon), when interviewed at Dunedin, complained that at Wellington it was represented the time for
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mobilisation was insufficient, and the men had made other arrangements for Easter, and at Dunedin the men could not be got together owing to prior engagements, consequently the encampments at this place and at Christchurch would be abandoned. The Defence Minister felt sore, that, “whilst there was always a hearty response to Easter Camps which partook somewhat of a picnic gathering, the Volunteers should readily find excuses when thoroughly practical work was contemplated.” This was unjust to the men. Volunteers with any length of service remember it was a standing grievance under successive Governments, that no definite instructions were issued regarding Easter Camps until near the holiday week, when many of the men had made their own arrangements, and consequently the attendance at a camp was seriously affected.
In an article in the “Lyttelton Times” of 16th March, 1904, the writer took a more sensible view of the Defence Minister’s complaint as follows: “It is not unnatural that after all his enthusiastic fathering of the Volunteers of the Colony, the Defence Minister should feel a little sore at having to abandon the Easter encampments, but when Mr. Seddon seeks to lay the whole of the blame upon the shoulders of the men, and scolds them for having made prior engagements which prevented their attendance, he is not displaying quite that sense of fair discretion which usually characterises his weighing of his woes.” “But instead of planning its programme early in the season, and giving the Volunteers ample opportunity to realize the scope and intent of the interesting and useful practical manoeuvres that were contemplated, the Department
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preserved a sort of conspiracy of silence and sprang the proposal upon the men only a few short weeks before it was proposed that the new field work should be undertaken. Naturally enough, the Volunteers, ignorant of what was in preparation for them, had made other arrangements for their holiday. Had the intention of the Department been made known earlier, they would probably have been met with a hearty response from our Citizen Soldiers, who are nothing if they are not enthusiastic in their Volunteering. But the Department appears to have expected every consideration without being prepared to extend any in return.” “It was no doubt the Premier’s annoyance which induced him to make the further somewhat uncharitable suggestion, that had the usual encampment, destitute of practical work, been decided upon, the same objection would not have been raised. This has not been Canterbury’s experience at any rate. The whole trouble is one that might have been easily avoided by a little more consideration on the part of the Authorities. ’ ’
There was a Ceremonial Parade on the 7th April, on which day His Excellency the Governor, Lord Ranfurly, paid his farewell visit to Canterbury. Advantage was taken of His Excellency’s presence to request him to unveil the tablet on the Jubilee Memorial in Victoria Square, with the names of Canterbury men who fell in South Africa. There was no special holiday, and the attendance of Volunteers was small, about 200.
The annual Church Parade was held on the 10th April, 1904, present 568 of all ranks and 91 Cadets. June 3rd, 1904, the Prince of Wales’ Birthday, had been announced as a “Field Day.” “The plan
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of manoeuvres was simply an attack on Christchurch from the Lyttelton side of the hill, which had to be met by the defending Force.” ‘‘The operations were as interesting as the small number of men could be expected to make them, considering the large area of country involved.” This day was not generally observed as a holiday, which, of course, affected the attendance. The numbers are not given, which is significant.
The Commandant of the Forces report for 1904 was dated the Ist August, under the heading “Staff and Organization.” The General reported the arrival from England of an Officer of the Royal Engineers. “Beyond this no improvement in the unsatisfactory state of the Defence Forces of the Colony as regards staff and organization had been effected.” This year the strength of the Defence Force included Defence Cadets and Defence Rifle Clubs, and on paper the total appeared respectable, 18,490. No doubt the Rifle Clubs and Cadets had been included “by Order,” for in his report the General, when referring to Rifle Clubs, said, “I cannot, however, represent them as being an efficient integral part of the Defence Forces.” The number of the Volunteers on the Ist August, 1904, was 13,601, being 873 less than in 1903. The Volunteers in Canterbury numbered 2248. as against 2476 in the previous year. The Mounted Corps and the Infantry both showed improvements in training, and during 1903-4, 396 candidates received partial instruction at the School of Instruction, 236 of whom completed a full course.
The following extract will show the false position in which an Imperial Officer was placed after accepting the position of Commandant of our
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Forces:—“ Ever since my arrival in New Zealand I have, as is clearly indicated in my reports, endeavoured to obtain that reorganization of the Defence Force which would render it efficient. There is no organised staff in the Colony, and those departments which are absolutely necessary for the training of a force in peace and its guidance and maintenance in war, do not exist. Whilst staff organization is on all hands admitted necessary for the establishment of any sound business, it appears to be in New Zealand considered superfluous in that department on which the responsibility for the proper training of the Defence Forces should fall in time of peace, and on which in time of war the safety of the country must in a large measure depend. ’ ’
The Volunteer Regulations, reported last year, had been re-written, but had not yet been approved of, “and the want of them is seriously felt.”
When referring to camps, the General remarked: “Approval or otherwise for the same should be notified not later than the Ist January of each year.” He evidently had noticed one cause of the small attendance at Easter manoeuvres, namely, the uncertainty every year whether there would be a camp or not.
In conclusion General Babington commended the “excellent spirit” in all ranks.
His Excellency the Governor, Lord Plunket, paid his first visit to Canterbury on the 16th August, 1904. “There was an excellent muster of Volunteers. Defence and School Cadets.” His Excellency, through the Defence Minister, “expressed his appreciation of the services rendered by the Volunteers.”
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Early in September Colonel Porter, C.8., commanding the District, was appointed Acting-Under-Secretary of Defence, and Inspector of Defence Rifle Clubs. This necessitated his removal to Wellington. On Sunday, the 13th September, a complimentary parade was held in the Drill Shed Grounds, Christchurch, in honour of the Colonel. There was a good muster, the total of all ranks being 720. After Divine Service, Colonel Porter addressed those present. In the course of his remarks he said: “He was leaving a District that had always borne the highest reputation of any District in New Zealand for enthusiasm in regard to Volunteering. He found that to be the ease when he came here. At the present time Canterbury stood with the highest and best record. He did not hesitate to say that, as he had been creditably informed. He did not wish to depreciate or discourage other Districts, but he felt sure that the enthusiasm in this District was much greater and more steadfast than in any part of the Colony.”
On September 29th Lieutenant-Colonel Arthur Bauchop, C.M.G., who had been appointed to the Canterbury District in succession to Colonel Porter, arrived at Christchurch and took over the command.
The 2nd North Canterbury Battalion went into camp for their annual training on the 17th November on the Cashmere Estate, east of Colombo Road, and the Ist North Canterbury on the 20th of November, in a paddock at the south end of Colombo Road. On the 21st of November both Battalions were inspected by General Babington, No. 1 Battalion being 188 strong, and No. 2. 230. The “attendance was the best that had yet been obtained.” At the same time N. Battery was in camp at Lyttelton “with a good
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muster,” and on November 30tb the Engineers were inspected by the General, at their camp in Hagley Park, 66 of all ranks being present.
The field manoeuvres of the Ist Battalion North Canterbury Mounted Rifles were carried out on the Ist of December near West Melton, in the presence of General Babington. On the 3rd of December E. Battery went into camp at Hagley Park, with a ‘‘good muster.” On the same date the three Infantry Companies at Timaru were holding their annual training, and the Rangiora Company were also in camp at the Show Ground, Rangiora, with a strength of 40 of all ranks.
Though the Easter Camp in Canterbury had been lost in 1904, but from no fault of the Volunteers, and the field days on our late Queen’s Birthday, the Prince of Wales’ Birthday, and Anniversary Day had passed away without others being substituted, still the men of all branches of the service were doing good work during the closing months of 1904.
1905.
The Ordnance Corps at Headquarters held a Church Parade at Lyttelton on the 22nd of January, 1905, the numbers present being as follows: E. Battery 41, Lyttelton Navals 56, N. Battery 40, and Canterbury Engineers 46, making a total of 183, exclusive of “the Marine Band of 30.”
The question of building a new Drill Hall had been considered by the Trustees, from shortly after the destruction of the old building in February, 1903, but an appeal for public subscriptions to aid a grant from the Government met with a poor response. In March, 1905, it was thought assistance might be obtained by a series of concerts, etc., and
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the Amateur Operatic Society offered to give a performance in aid of the fund. The “Lyttelton Times” endeavoured to assist by an article in that paper on the 9th March, from which the following remarks are taken as evidence of the opinion of the public of the Volunteers at that date:—“ The Volunteers are a good deal in the position of Tommy Atkins, so graphically pictured by Mr. Kipling, their value is not properly appreciated until their necessity is realised under stress of circumstances. But, taking them at the most modest estimate, they have grown to be an almost indispensable feature in those spectacular civic and colonial functions in which the public delight. Fortunately, their value as soldiers lies oftener in inaction than in aggressiveness, hut they stand always as the efficient nucleus of the Colony’s defence. The individual members sacrifice much of their time voluntarily, and undergo many petty discomforts cheerfully in their country’s cause, and for this reason, if for no other, they have absolutely earned the gift from the city and the Colony of their new Drill-shed. The Colony has done its share, and it remains for the city to do the rest. Opportunities will not be lacking, and the first of them will arise to-night, when a theatrical performance in aid of the new shed is to be given in the Canterbury Hall.”
The annual meetings of the several corps in March and April showed all to be in a sound position, financially and otherwise. A successful bazaar, which had been held some time previously having cleared them from debt. It may be recorded that but for such assistance at intervals, the force could not have existed, though the greater part of the funds raised came from the Volunteers and their personal friends.
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The Easter manoeuvres were held at Sheffield from April the 21st to the 24th. The numbers are not available. The “General Idea” was that an enemy’s force, the Blue, had arrived at Springfield from the West Coast, on the night of the 20th April, its objective being Christchurch. On the same night the Red Force, the defenders, arrived at Rolleston and Dunsandel. The manoeuvres that followed were both interesting and instructive, and of a practical nature. General Babington was present, and at the termination of the manoeuvres, he addressed the officers on the manner in which the work had been done, giving them instruction and advice, and pointing out certain weaknesses in the attack and defence.
The following Order was published by the Officer Commanding the District:—“ The General Officer Commanding desires me to convey to all ranks his warm appreciation of the zeal and excellent spirit displayed by them during the operation just concluded. The work on the whole has been well and intelligently carried out, clearly indicating that the training of units has received careful attention. The soldier-like bearing of the troops, and uniformly good conduct is a matter which he considers deserves special commendation. To be read to all ranks on parade.”
The South Canterbury Volunteers were present at the manoeuvres.
The annual Church Parade was held on the 30th April, the parade state showed 742 present. “But as many more fell in later, there was probably nearly 800 in attendance.”
In General Babington’s Report for 1905 the strength of the Defence Force (inclusive of Cadets
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and Rifle Clubs) on the Ist July was 18,852. Of them 12,927 were Volunteers, a decrease of 674 during the year upon the number on the Ist August, 1904. In Canterbury the Volunteers had a total strength of 2199, the decrease being only 49. The state of the Mounted troops in the Colony was described as “satisfactory,” and of the infantry as “fairly satisfactory, hut more field work is required.”
During the year 1904-5, 231 candidates received instruction at the School of Instruction, but “the system now in vogue is unsatisfactory, in that comparatively few centres are visited during the year.” For the third time the General reported, “The regulations had been re-written.”
The Report contained the usual regret (which unfortunately all our Imperial Commandants had to make) that advice tendered for the improvements of the Defence Force had not been acted on by those in authority.
In conclusion the General said: “At present the Colony is in the position of an owner who is paying a comparatively large sum for an insurance policy without having taken the steps necessary to render such policy secure. It would be well for the country, too, were it more generally in sympathy with its deserving Volunteer Defenders.”
On July the 13th, 1905, the foundation stone of King Edward Barracks was laid by the Right Hon. the Premier. Mr. Seddon gave some interesting particulars of the Volunteer movement in Canterbury from the earlier days, and in conclusion thanked the Volunteer officers and men for the services rendered in the past, and the services being rendered in the present. The Premier then laid
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the foundation stone. There was not a large number of Volunteers present, there being no special holiday.
The opening parade of the new barracks was held on the 26th July, 1905. The numbers present were 583 Volunteers of all ranks, and 46 Cadets. The Officer Commanding the District “welcomed the troops on behalf of the Trustees.” It was stated “The building had been erected in only twenty-five working days, and was probably the most expeditious piece of work that had been accomplished in the Colony.”
On the 15th of September, it was reported that during the debate on the Defence estimates, Mr. Seddon admitted there had been trouble in the past, and experience had taught him that he had made a mistake when he separated the Military and Secretarial Departments. He intended to put the departments together again, and to promote far more elasticity in the administration. “The Commandant,” said the Premier, “must - have control over everything except finance.”
The Premier was learning his lesson. Abraham Lincoln, “who was undoubtedly one of the very ablest men that America ever produced,” in the earlier years of the War of Secession, gave advice to every General-in-Chief, and received every report. Yet when General Grant was appointed to the chief command in the third year of the war, Lincoln said “he didn’t want to know what Grant proposed to do.” Experience had taught the President, and was teaching our Premier, that the best person to control military affairs, was a trained soldier.
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The foundation stone of ' the International Exhibition, in Hagley Park, was laid on the 18th of December, 1905, by Mr. Seddon. There were present 756 Volunteers of all ranks, and 475 Cadets. After the speeches the troops marched past the Premier.
The principal events in 1905 were the Easter manoeuvres at Sheffield, and the erection of King Edward Barracks. In the Barracks the Volunteers obtained the finest Drill Hall in the Dominion. The annual training camps were held with good attendances, but another year had passed, and with the exception of the Easter manoeuvres, no work had been done in the open. The Commandant’s report on the Volunteer Force was satisfactory, inasmuch as he said, “I am satisfied the officers and men are most anxious that the Force should become an efficient one.” Though this was no new desire, it had been the fervent wish of all keen Volunteers from the initiation of the Volunteer Movement in Canterbury.
1906.
At the commencement of 1906 the local papers had few notices of the Volunteers. The first was on the 30th of January, reporting the Engineers had gone into camp at Pilgrims’ Rest, Hagley Park, for sixteen days’ training, with a total strength of 69 of all ranks. The Engineers have been for many years one of the “live” corps in Canterbury.
The new Regulations, referred to in the three previous reports of General Babington as having been re-written, came into force on the Bth January, 1906. These were the tenth set of regulations under which men had served since the formation of the Canterbury Volunteers in 1860, an average of four
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and a half years between each set. If “Regulations” make an efficient force, the New Zealand Volunteer Force should have been one. The new regulations were to see the end of the Volunteer System in the Dominion, but before, they were to be so fearfully and wonderfully altered by numerous amendments, that it is doubtful if any member of the Force, or even the compilers, could in 1910 have said which portions of the Regulations had been repealed, and which still remained in force.
The Easter manoeuvres were held from the 12th to the 16th April, 1906. The North Canterbury Volunteers, to the number of 696, went into camp at Balmoral, a few miles from Culverden, and the South Canterbury, with a strength of 244, were encamped at Fairlie. The special work at these camps was field firing with ball ammunition, which was caried out to the satisfaction of the inspecting officers. In addition to the field firing, there was an attack on the Culverden camp on the 13th April, by a “raiding party.” The “Tactical Idea” on the following day was to prevent the junction of a force from Culverden, with its main body by way of Montrose Pass. The work on both days was creditably performed.
The annual Church Parade was held on the 22nd April, at which 450 of all ranks were present.
In an article in the “Lyttelton Times” on May Bth, on “The Commandant of the Forces,” the writer incidentally remarked, “The average citizen, it must be confessed to his shame, does not take a very keen interest in military matters in time of peace. He is content to leave them to the officials of the Defence Office, and to the few local
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enthusiasts who keep the Volunteer movement alive by days, and weeks, and years of thankless service.” The old, old story!
The Eight Hon. Eichard John Seddon, Premier and Defence Minister, died at sea on the 10th June, 1906, on his return to New Zealand from Australia. He had controlled defence matters in the Dominion since 1891, and though many cannot agree with his views or methods, yet all must admire the masterful way in which he carried them out. Englishmen love a man, and Mr. Seddon was a great man. It is pleasant to recall his admission but a few months before his death, that he had made mistakes in the past, and in future ‘‘The Commandant should control everything except finance.” If he had lived, with his altered views, possibly an Imperial officer would have been appointed (to succeed General Babington) with power to carry out such suggestions as he might make for the improvement of the New Zealand Defence Forces.
General Babington’s last Report bears date the Ist August, 1906, from which the following extracts are taken;—“ The conference of Officers Commanding Districts has strongly recommended that the Act applying to the election of officers should be altered, and that Imperial custom be observed in the matter. In every report I have rendered, I have strongly advocated this, and pointed out the evils of the present system; so far, however, nothing has been done to effect a change in this most important matter.” Colonels Fox and Penton had also drawn attention to the evils of election, and others before them, but it was only abolished by the dissolution of the Volunteer Force.
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The strength of the Defence Force (inclusive of Cadets and Rifle Clubs) on the Ist July, was 19,276, of which 13,162 were Volunteers. The Volunteers in Canterbury numbered 2,309. “The Mounted Rifles are a fairly efficient body of men, and of excellent material.” “The training of the Infantry is much impeded by their being able to devote so little time to outdoor work.” “While the physique of country corps is satisfactory, and in many cases very much so, that of many corps at the larger centres is very poor, and such men could not for
even a short time stand the strain of active service. It is much to be regretted that the athletes in the larger centres cannot be attracted to serve; practically none enrol, apparently considering their amusements more important than their duty to the State.”
The School of Instruction had ceased to exist, the officer lately in charge of it having left the Colony on the expiration of his service. During the past year 154 officers and fifteen non-commissioned officers presented themselves for examination; of these 139 officers and fourteen non-commissioned officers passed. The General recommended that two Staff College Officers should be applied for, one to be appointed to each island, to carry out courses of instruction all through the district.
“In conclusion,” the General said, “I have endeavoured since my arrival in New Zealand to point out what I consider is required to render the Force of the Colony an efficient one. It does not appear to me that the Colony takes the question of defence seriously, or gives due attention to a subject that is so important, and one that may at very short notice become of vital interest to her.
K—2
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It will be well for New Zealand, if by any means she can be persuaded before it is too late, to look seriously upon, and also to thoroughly appreciate her Defence Forces, and to listen more attentively than she has yet done to the advice of those whose duty it is to offer it as to measures necessary to render such Forces really efficient.”
Truly New Zealand has had warning enough in the past to put her defences on a sound basis.
On the 9th September, General Babington made his farewell inspection of the Navals and N. Battery at Lyttelton. 186 of all ranks were on parade.
The following day, Saturday, the 10th September, the General inspected the Headquarters corps. The work done was a lesson in outpost duty—the line occupied extended from Riccarton Church to Sunnyside, and thence in the direction of Cashmere. General Babington, at the conclusion of his criticism, said, “On the whole the tactical exercise was well carried out, and especially so, considering the small opportunity existing under the present conditions for field training. ’ ’ The force afterwards marched past the General in Hagley Park. The number present of all ranks was 521. This was General Babington’s last visit to Canterbury. Shortly after, at the expiration of his term, he returned to England. The General was a soldier and a gentleman, and well fitted to tactfully carry out the suggestions and reforms he recommended. It is a matter of regret he had no opportunity of doing so.
On October the 7th, 1906, a Church Parade was held at the Agricultural and Pastoral Show Ground, when the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry were up
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for their training. “One of the largest held in Christchurch for some time”; present, 682 of all ranks.
The Defence Act Amendment Act, 1906, came into force on the 29th October. This provided for the appointment of a Council of Defence, which was to consist of the Defence Minister, the Chief of General Staff, Finance Minister, and Secretary to the Council. The Act also provided for the appointment of an Inspector-General.
The opening of the International Exhibition in Hagley Park was on the Ist November, 1906. “Between 800 and 900 Infantry and Artillery were present.” “The Volunteers were an important unit in the display portion for the afternoon, hut it was a particularly fine one.” This more especially referred to the ceremony of trooping the colours, which was a novel spectacle in New Zealand.
The Defence Minister, the Hon. Colonel A. Pitt, died at Christchurch on the 18th November, 1906. Colonel Pitt was an old Volunteer officer, and one of the first three officers who received the Volunteer Decoration. His long experience in, and intimate knowledge of, the Volunteer Force, would have rendered him a valuable member of the Council of Defence. His unexpected death was a serious loss to the service.
On the 3rd December No. 2 North Canterbury Infantry Battalion went into camp for their annual training, with a “most excellent muster.” At the same time the Rangiora Rifles were in camp at Rangiora, with a strength of 47, and the B. Battery were holding their battery camp in Hagley Park. The papers were too much engaged with the Exhibition to find space for Volunteer items, though
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several other corps were in training camps during November and December, 1906, they were not noticed in the local press.
By “Gazette” notice, dated the 29th December, Lieutenant-Colonel A. Bauchop, C.M.G., was appointed to the Wellington District, and Lieutenant-Colonel J. B. Hawkins, V.D., to the Canterbury District, both appointments as from the 19th December, 1906.
The year had brought many changes. The death of the Premier had removed a well-known figure from Volunteer and Civic functions. General Babington had returned to England, and the Council of Defence had come into existence. In Canterbury there had been a change in the command of the District. The Volunteers had done good work at the Balmoral and Fairlie camps, and the General’s last field day was a creditable one. As citizen soldiers, the men, as usual, did their work well at the opening of the Exhibition, and gained the public praise. The new Regulations had also come into force in February, but by the end of 1906 25 of them had been amended or added to.
1907.
The Engineers went into camp at Hagley Park for their annual sixteen days’ training, at the end of January, with “an excellent muster.” No. 1 North Canterbury Battalion were encamped at the same time at Cashmere.
Early in March Lieutenant-Colonel R. H. Davis, C.8., Inspector-General of the New Zealand Forces, attended parades of the infantry battalions and ordnance corps at Headquarters, and during his visit to Christchurch met the local officers at their Club room.
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The Easter manoeuvres in 1907 were held in the vicinity of Sheffield, from the 28th March to the Ist April. The Blue Force was encamped in the Domain, and represented a force landed on the West Coast, which had moved towards Sheffield with the intention of seizing the railway, and advancing on Christchurch. The Blue Force consisted of the Engineers 33, E. Battery 52, No. 1 North Canterbury Battalion 102, No. 2 North Canterbury Battalion, 74, Bearer Corps 16, Queen’s Cadets 31, Band 20, and South Canterbury Battalion 86, making a total of 414—a poor muster. The stalls of the Officer Commanding the District, and the Officer Commanding the Blue Force increased the strength by 26, bringing up the number of all ranks in the Sheffield Camp to 440.
The “Eed Force” to oppose the advance of the enemy were encamped near Racecourse Hill, and consisted of the Mounted Corps. The parade states are not given, hut the report says that on Friday, the 29th March, “about 340 men were in camp, but more were expected.”
On the first day “Blue” advanced on Sheffield to secure possession of that town, before making a further advance on Christchurch. Colonel Davis, C.8., the Inspector-General, who was present during the manoeuvres, held “Blue” had succeeded. On the following day, the 30th March, the Red Force made an attack on the Blue camp. At the close of the manoeuvre, Colonel Davis addressed the officers, pointing out the errors of the day. On Sunday, the 31st March, the Blue Force moved out in the direction of Glentunnel, and eventually fell back before Red, fighting a rear-guard action, which was the lesson of the day. Both forces attended
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Divine Service Parade in the afternoon. On the last day of the manoeuvres, Blue succeeded in passing the Eed force, and gaining a strong position when hostilities ceased, and Colonel Davis gave his final address to the officers. Camp was broken up and the troops returned to their headquarters in the afternoon. The attendance must have been disappointing, but useful work was done by those who were present, and the addresses by Colonel Davis were instructive to the officers.
The annual Church Parade at the Cathedral was held on the 7th April, 1907, present 693 of all ranks —this included 95 cadets.
The Exhibition in Hagley Park was formally closed by His Excellency the Governor, Lord Plunket, on the 9th April, 1907. 150 seamen of H.M. ships “Powerful” and “Prometheus,” and 434 of the Volunteers were present, and “lent lustre and dignity to the occasion.”
From the reports of the annual meetings of the various corps in April and May, 1907, they were in a satisfactory position.
New Regulations were reported on the 10th of May, which “provide for many additional alterations, all more or less important.
In June it was announced that “amongst the Canterbury battalions which His Majesty the King has been pleased to approve of the award of ‘Honours’ being granted for services rendered during the war in South Africa, are the following; —lst Regiment North Canterbury Mounted Rifles, 2nd Regiment North Canterbury Mounted Rifles,’ Ist Regiment South Canterbury Mounted Rifles, Ist North Canterbury Battalion of Infantry. The Battalions are entitled to have the words ‘South Africa’ embroidered on their colours.”
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The Inspector-General (Colonel Davis) commenced his inspection of the Canterbury Corps on the 6th August, 1907, with the E. Battery, at the Drill Shed-—52 of all ranks present. The same day No. 1 North Canterbury Battalion also paraded. On the following Saturday the Headquarters corps paraded for field operations on the Cashmere Hills, under the observation of Colonel Davis. The musters at the inspections held by Colonel Davis during his visit to Canterbury were generally satisfactory, and in some instances they were excellent.
The first report of the Defence Council bears date the 7th August, 1907. Under the heading “Policy” it was stated “Should the Volunteer Force not be maintained or brought up to an efficient state, Volunteering has had its last chance. If the general public are in earnest as to defence, they must themselves assist, and ensure that under the Volunteer system sufficient enlistment is made, and that once men are enlisted, they attend regularly. The alternative is a system of universal or compulsory training, whereby the burden of service in the defence forces will be more evenly distributed.” The total strength, including Permanent Force, Volunteers, Defence Cadets, and Eifle Clubs, was 20,033. The boys and Clubs together numbered 6563.
In the Eeport of the Director of Ordnance, which was annexed, he said of the Christchurch Engineers, “I consider this Company the most efficient Field Engineer Company in New Zealand.”
The Inspector-General, in his report, remarked: “In dealing with the general state of efficiency of officers and men, I desire to make it quite clear that
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I am sure the spirit which animates all ranks of the force is excellent. If it were not so they would not be giving up their time willingly and cheerfully to the sacred duty of trying to become fit to protect their country, their homes, their mothers, sisters, wives, and children, while the enormous majority of the able-bodied manhood of the country is merely looking on, and sometimes, I regret to say, trying to discourage them. As far as drill and discipline go, the state of things is generally very satisfactory ”
And so, again, the Volunteers of New Zealand received commendation from the Chief Inspecting Officer of the Colony.
September 26th, 1907, was the day appointed for reading the Royal Proclamation, which changed the name of the Colony of New Zealand into that of the “Dominion of New Zealand. At 11 a.m. the Volunteers were drawn up before the City Council Chambers, after the Proclamation was read, the flag of the Dominion was hoisted, the Volunteers fired a feu de joie, the Garrison Band played the National Anthem, and the guns of the E. Battery in Hagley Park gave a Royal Salute. Cheers followed for the newly-constituted Dominion and the King, and the proceedings closed.
In the afternoon the Volunteers mustered at the Barracks at 2 p.m., 628 of all ranks being present. The troops then marched to Hagley Park to witness the presentation of the King’s Colours to the Ist Regiment North Canterbury Mounted Rifles, and the Ist North Canterbury Battalion of Infantry. The Colours were consecrated by the Bishop of Christchurch, and afterwards presented by the Mayor. Subsequently the Mayor presented some
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long service medals, but before doing so, be remarked, “Tbe Volunteers who gave their time ungrudgingly in order to perfect themselves in methods of drill, useful field training, and the best use of the rifles and munitions of war, deserved the thanks of the community, and it was to be hoped that employers would not be exacting when asked to grant occasional leave to Volunteers to attend military exercises and duty.” The troops finally marched past, saluting the Colours.
On the sth October, 1907, the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry went into camp at Addington for the annual training. “About fifty men were in camp.”
The following day, Sunday, the 6th October, the Ordnance Corps of the Christchurch Garrison held a Church Parade at Addington. The attendance, with officers, was 200.
Her Excellency Lady Plunket, the Honorary Colonel of the 2nd Regiment North Canterbury Mounted Rifles, inspected her Regiment at Culverden on the 11th October.
A School of Instruction was held at Christchurch during the month of October. Twelve officers of the mounted branch, and sixteen of the infantry, attended the course. The able and vigorous instruction given, was undoubtedly of benefit to those who attended.
The Canterbury Engineers held their sixteen days’ training in November-December, 1907, at Pilgrims’ Corner, Hagley Park. On the 12th December the corps was inspected by the Officer Commanding the District, when three officers and seventy-five men paraded. The E. Battery at the same date were in camp at the South Park, with
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“an excellent muster.” At the inspection of the Battery, the Officer Commanding the District expressed his “warm approbation” that the work was so well carried out.
The year 1907 may be considered a fairly satisfactory one for the Canterbury Volunteers. Those who attended the Easter manoeuvres did good work, but the muster in many corps was miserably small. The Inspector-General had reported in commendatory terms of the officers and men of the Volunteer Force; they were therefore maintaining the reputation of their predecessors. That many of the officers were anxious to increase their military knowledge was proved by the attendance at the School of Instruction, But the evil genius that had apparently haunted the Defence Office throughout the existence of the Volunteer system in New Zealand, urging Defence Ministers and others in authority to endeavour to make an efficient force by “Regulations,” in 1907 appears to have exercised his baneful influence, even on that august body, the “Council of Defence.” During the year 28 regulations were revoked, 83 were amended more or less, and 40 new ones became law.
1908.
It was reported on the 11th January, 1908, that at the Easter manoeuvres the service pay per day would be —Captains 15/-, lieutenants 11/-, sergeants 6/-, corporals 5/-, privates 4/-, and buglers 4/-. With the issue of pay, the old traditions of the Volunteer force were swept away, and thenceforth it was only a question of time before the Dominion would have to depend on some other organization for defence.
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The Easter manoeuvres, 1908, were held from the 16th to 20th April. The situation at 6 p.m. on Friday, the 17th April, was that an enemy, the “Blue Force,” composed of South Canterbury Volunteers, had landed, and were then encamped in the vicinity of Motukarara, and the ships from which the enemy had disembarked were preparing to force the entrance to Lyttelton Harbour. A “Ked Force,” the North Canterbury Volunteers, had been hastily mobilised, and were encamped at Addington. The forts at Lyttelton were occupied by the E.N.Z. Artillery (20), the Lyttelton Navals, and N. Battery. The manoeuvres that followed were instructive and practical. The officers and men were keen at their work, the former proving they had taken advantage of the able teaching of the School of Instruction. The first manoeuvre resulted in a flank march by the Blue Force during the night of 17th-18th April, the enemy finally camping about one and a half miles north-west of Hornby. On the morning of Monday, the 20th April, the troops were placed in the position they had occupied when hostilities ceased on Saturday morning, and the Red Force attacked Blue’s Camp. The total attendance of Volunteers was 1153, being 50 per cent, of the enrolled strength.
The annual Church Parade at the Cathedral was held on the 3rd May, 1908, the muster being 687 of all ranks.
The Report of the Council of Defence laid before the Houses of the General Assembly in 1908, under the head “Policy,” stated, “Regulations had been made to further encourage enlistment and maintain efficiency,” and that it was the intention of the Council to revise the Regulations governing the
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earnings of capitation and payment for daylight parades” so that a higher standard of efficiency might be obtained. As regarded the supply of officers, a Board of Selection would be set up in each district. “If election must be adhered to, the Board of Selection should approve of candidates before they go up for election.”
The enrolled strength was 19,947. Of these 13,720 were R.N.Z. Artillery and Volunteers, the remainder Rifle Clubs and Defence Cadets.
The musters at Easter manoeuvres were generally an improvement on past years, and the system of district local instruction, followed by continuous courses by the General Instructional Staff, had given very good results. Officers who attended these courses were easily distinguished during field tvork or operations; 43 officers in Canterbury had attended the courses. In addition officers’ clubs in the various centres had been particularly active. The collecting and sifting of intelligence by an Intelligence Officer at each centre at the late Easter manoeuvres was undertaken for the first time with good results.
The Inspector-General, in his report, complained of the poor attendance of Mounted Rifles, only 58 per cent, of the enrolled strength on the day of inspection turned out, of infantry 67 per cent. Of Rifle Clubs, he remarked, “I presume that it is really not necessary for me to point out that if the members of rifle clubs never do any drill or any field work of any sort, beyond shooting at a fixed target, usually, if not always, at known ranges, and cannot therefore be moved quickly about and manoeuvred as required, they will be quite useless for defence purposes,—indeed, in my opinion, a
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source of danger to their friends instead of their enemies.” And yet, for some years, with men possessing only this training, or rather want of training, and the hoy cadets, we have swollen the strength of our Defence Forces to the apparently respectable number of 20,000. Of all our shams this was the greatest.
During the winter months of 1908 the corps at Headquarters, with their friends, were busily preparing for a Military Bazaar, to reduce the debt on King Edward Barracks, and Dominion Day, September 26th, 1908, was selected for the opening ceremony. At 2.30 p.m. the Volunteers paraded in Cranmer Square for inspection and a march past. The numbers are not available, hut the report states, “An exceptionally large number” were present, with about 700 school cadets. The troops marched past the Hon. R. McNab, the Defence Minister, and at the close of the proceedings marched through the city to King Edward Barracks. The Minister gave an excellent address to the men, in the course of his remarks pointing out “It was a noble profession, and there was nothing better than to possess a knowledge of what went to support the country in its time of trouble, and be a useful unit when the time came to take arms for its defence.” The Bazaar was then declared open, and was not closed until October 10th. It was financially a success, and about £2OOO obtained towards reducing the debt, but the money was hardly earned.
The Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry commenced their annual training at Addington on the 3rd October, with “a good muster.” On the same day the North Canterbury Mounted Rifles completed their training.
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On the 4th October, 1908, the Ordnance Corps held their annual Church Parade at Addington—27l of all ranks paraded.
The public at this date were taking more interest in defence, the scheme of the Commonwealth Government having drawn attention to the subject. In an article on “Defence Matters,” the writer concluded, “For the rest, the men themselves maintain their enthusiasm under disheartening conditions, and we can only be grateful to them for their fine spirit and their patriotism. They are the makings of the best troops in the world, but as an army they are nothing. The movement of our Australian neighbours is a pregnant object lesson, but we see no disposition on the part of New Zealand, either to follow the Australian example, or to initiate a sound defence scheme of its own.”
Colonel Davis, the Inspector-General, on Saturday afternoon, the 17th October, watched manoeuvres between the Volunteers of Christchurch and the Northern District. The numbers were weak, and the work done not very satisfactory. In the evening the Colonel criticised the operations at the Officers’ Club Room, to the advantage of those who followed his remarks.
On October 21st, No. 2 Regiment of the North Canterbury Mounted Rifles were inspected at Culverden by the Inspector-General. There was a poor attendance; indeed, with all corps this appeared to be the case. The Canterbury Mounted Rifles held their training near New Brighton in November. Again the numbers are not given, which to an old Volunteer, is significant. The then “live corps” in North Canterbury, the Engineers, were in
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camp in Hagley Park, also in November. It is refreshing to read that “the attendance had been about 83 per day.”
In December the Rangiora Rifles, the Lyttelton Navals, Kaiapoi Rifles, and Ellesmere Mounted Rifles held their respective training camps. And this concluded the work for the year.
The following quotation from an article in the “Lyttelton Times” on the 10th December, 1908, will show the public were awakening, and that compulsory training was not far off:—“ Public opinion is tending very strongly in the direction of a more efficient training of the citizens of Colonial States. Compulsory training has many supporters even in New Zealand, and we are beginning to realize that compulsory training does not necessarily mean militarism.” “The new Australian defence scheme involves the training to arms of every able-bodied young man, and a system of the same kind has been warmly advocated in New Zealand.” “There is no doubt that mandatory legislation in some form or other will be necessary. It may not be just to say that we are living in a fool’s paradise, but the politics of the world are in an extremely unsettled state, and a year or so hence some blazing indiscretion, or some action due to impetuous governments, may involve the British Empire in a great struggle.” “Under the present system we have a comparatively small body of enthusiastic Volunteers, but outside that we have no organization that could be used at a moment’s notice, or even a month’s notice, for defence purposes.”
1908 was not one of the “good years.” The work had been fairly done at Easter, in the Canterbury
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District, but there was evidently laxness in attendance at parades. The reason is not difficult to find, namely, the rumours of changes in the organization of the Defence Forces, which would have an unsettling effect on the men, and render them less keen at their work. Yet they had advantages, especially the officers, which their predecessors would scarcely have dared to hope for. The constant visits by the Inspector-General, and the able teaching by the Instructional Staff, would have been hailed with delight in former days, when officers could obtain no assistance or instruction, or even books, to improve their military knowledge. The introduction of the system of district local instruction by the General Instructional Staff (which practically had been recommended by General Babington in his last report) was creditable to the Council of Defence, and calculated to render officers, and through them the men, more efficient than shoals of “Regulations.” Nevertheless, these were not lost sight of, for during 1908, the Council, following the traditions of the Defence Office, did its best to render the Defence Force efficient by “Regulations.” 153 were amended, 38 revoked, and 39 new ones made. 1908 will be remembered for the Volunteer Bazaar, and the efforts made to reduce the debt on the Barracks. A subsidy was promised by the Government, for which the Volunteers waited patiently until the Force passed out, and for which the Trustees of the Barracks are still waiting.
1909.
On the 12th February, 1909. it was reported that Colonel Robin, Chief of the Staff and First Military Member of the Council of Defence, “spoke hopefully
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to an ‘Evening Post’ reporter concerning the prospects of Volunteering for the coining year, as disclosed by the records and indications of the Volunteer year, which would close on February 28th. He recalled the fact that on December 31st last the total of all arms stood at 20,223.” “A greater total than any previously recorded, even during the time of the Anglo-Boer war, when the standard as to Volunteer recruits was not as rigidly enforced as was the case nowadays.” If the Colonel was correctly reported he must have forgotten that during the war the strength of the Defence Force was not swollen by the inclusion of Rifle Clubs and boy cadets. It would appear that even the Council of Defence had been taken in by our “greatest sham.”
The programme for the Easter manoeuvres was announced on the 2nd March. The Canterbury Division Garrison Artillery and No. 1 Battalion Canterbury Defence Cadets, were to man the forts, and the remainder of the North and South Canterbury Volunteers to mobilize at Mount Somers.
“One of the finest spectacular displays that has been given by the local Volunteers,” so states the report of a parade of the troops of the Christchurch Garrison at the Barracks on the 26th March, 1909. The total of all ranks was 725, headed by the Band; the troops marched through the town before they were dismissed. The Officer Commanding the District, when thanking the corps for their attendance, said “He felt sure that the parade would impress the public, and be a means of securing recruits.”
The Easter manoeuvres were held from the Bth to 12th April, 1909. Colonel Robin, C.8., Chief of
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the General Staff, was present and watched the operations. The total of all ranks present was 1150, consisting of North and South Canterbury Volunteers. It was intended that the troop train should be attacked before it arrived at Mount Somers, and a detachment had been sent forward for that purpose, but owing to the transport service breaking down, and the consequent delay, the manoeuvre was abandoned. The Camp was not reached until 9 a.m. on the 9th April. In the afternoon of that day the Mounted Brigade reconnoitred and reported on the country, the infantry being exercised in outpost duty. On the following morning (the 10th April) a rear-guard action was fought, and in the afternoon field firing was practised, the work of the day being criticised by the Chief of the General Staff and the Officer Commanding the District. On Sunday evening, the 11th April, the outposts surrounding the Camp were re-established, and in the early morning of the 12th April, the Mounted Brigade moved out to a position about two miles from the camp, and from there at 5 a.m. opened the attack on the outposts, which eventually brought on “the fight.” After breakfast camp was struck, and the troops returned to their homes, the Mounted Brigade moving off at 10 a.m., and the remainder at 1.30 p.m.
The Lyttelton Garrison Artillery Volunteers, with the members of the R.N.Z. Artillery, stationed at Lyttelton, and the Naval Cadets, on Thursday night, the Bth April, 1909, went to Port Jervois, Eipa Island, for their four days’ Easter Encampment. “There was a splendid muster.” During the time they were in camp, they were kept actively at work by the energetic and capable Officer Commanding
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the Lyttelton Artillery Division. The operations included night and day attacks on the forts, and battle practice with the Sin. and 6in. guns. In a Brigade order issued by the Officer Commanding, on the termination of the camp, he expressed “his high appreciation of the heavy and arduous work by the officers and men who had met him willingly and with great keenness.”
In an article on “the Easter Manoeuvres” in the “Lyttelton Times,” on the 13th April, 1909, the writer remarked, “The excellent muster of men for the Easter manoeuvres, the genuine enthusiasm displayed, and the anxiety of the troops to be up and doing, all go to prove the popularity of active work in the open, and it is a safe conclusion that Volunteering would he more satisfactory to the members of the various corps, would be more attractive to young men generally, and would be more valuable as a piece of the defence system, if there were fewer ceremonial and city parades and more excursions into the open country. The Officer Commanding the District has expressed himself in flattering terms concerning the quality of the work done by all the troops at Mount Somers, and there is no doubt that officers and men deserve a great deal of praise.”
On the same date there was an article in the “Press” on “The Easter Camp,” which was principally devoted to “A muddle over the transport by the Railway Department.” But it was remarked “Colonel Hawkins admitted to our representative it was a ‘hard camp,’ hut the troops responded energetically to the calls made upon them, and the discipline of the camp seems to have been admirable throughout, despite the fact that the men had some genuine cause for discontent.”
L
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The Mount Somers camp was to be the last Easter Camp of Volunteers in the Canterbury District. It seems, therefore, fitting to quote the above extracts from the Christchurch papers as evidencing that up to the last the Volunteers of Canterbury maintained the reputation the Force had invariably gained for discipline and keenness, and not only obtained praise from their Commanding Officers, but also from the public.
The annual Church Parade was held on the 18th April, at the Cathedral, the total of all ranks being 528.
During the winter months of 1909 greater interest was taken in Defence matters than at any previous period during the existence of the Volunteer system m New Zealand. By articles, letters in the papers, and interviews, the subject was constantly before the public', the general opinion being that some form of compulsory service would be necessary before we could obtain an efficient Defence force. From this opinion, no one who has considered the question, can dissent.
In June it was reported Lord Kitchener would visit New Zealand to inspect the Defences, and he would probably arrive early in 1910, after his visit to Australia.
Dominion Day in 1909 fell on Sunday, the 26th September, when the Volunteers mustered at the Barracks and attended service at the Cathedral 940 of all ranks were present, this number including 170 cadets.
From the report of the Council of Defence for 1909 it appears the total strength was 20 428 This included Rifle Clubs 3697. and 3560 cadets^
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“Opportunity was given to Rifle Clubs to put in the greater part of two days, but, except in the Wellington District, where 77 attended, no others mustered, and in many cases did not even reply to the District Commander’s circular, asking for information as to numbers likely to attend.” Comment is unnecessary.
The Inspector-General, in his report, again complained of the attendance at his inspections. The Mounted Rifles appear to have been the greatest sinners, though “Some of the musters in Otago and Canterbury, taking all the circumstances into consideration, have been fairly satisfactory in point of numbers.”
“In several cases the knowledge and ability of the Commander and Staff to understand what was required, and to handle their troops in a proper manner to attain the desired object (considering their limited opportunities for learning and practising the art), in others, the ability to learn, and aptitude for the work if given a proper opportunity to learn, and in all cases the keenness, enthusiasm, and desire to do their best of such as did attend of all ranks, and all arms, have been exceedingly gratifying, and are the clearest possible proof of what splendid results we could get if only sufficient numbers could be induced by any means to train for a sufficient time.”
“The officers and men who come out are the enthusiasts, who willingly give their services to their country, and no praise can be too high for them in return for their unselfish sacrifice, especially when the only return they get in many cases is the jeer of their fellows who do nothing.”
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These are the last words to be quoted from a Chief Inspecting Officer’s Report, but to those who have duly appreciated what “Volunteering” really meant, and the responsibilities they freely undertook when joining the service, surely they are good enough.
The Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry went into camp for their annual training at Addington Show Grounds, on the 2nd October, 1909—there was a muster of 45. On the same day the Amuri Mounted Rifles commenced their training at Horsley Downs, the strength being 39.
The 2nd North Canterbury Mounted Rifles paraded at Horsley Downs on the 7th October, to meet for the last time Her Excellency Lady Plunket, their Honorary Colonel. The muster was a small one, 70 of all ranks being present.
Though thoughout these notes individual officers have not been named, unless absolutely necessary, it would be ungracious, in a record of Canterbury Volunteering, not to mention Major A. Andrew. During 1909, when spending his leave in Christchurch, he devoted much of his time to the preparation of instructive lectures, which he read at the Officers’ Club. In many other ways Major Andrew helped the officers forward in their work, and it was with regret they parted with him on the 11th October, shortly before his return to India.
On Labour Day, October 14th, 1909, some manoeuvres were carried out in the Yaldhurst and West Melton district. The number present of all ranks was 395. The novel part of the day’s proceedings was the conveyance of the troops to the scene of operations in motor cars, which had been
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placed at the service of the Officer Commanding the District hy the Canterbury Automobile Association.
The Canterbury Engineers held their annual training in November, 1909. At the inspection on the 29th by the Officer Commanding the District, “There was a muster of 84 men out of a roll number of 93, and all the absentees were accounted for.” During the same month the Lyttelton Navals were in camp at Fort Jervois for their sixteen days’ annual training, and were “putting in a lot of hard, useful and instructive work.” The Canterbury Mounted Rifles held their training at the New Brighton Racecourse, and the Ellesmere and Malvern Mounted Rifles a combined camp at Norwood.
The new Defence Bill was presented to Parliament on the 2nd December, 1909. By this Bill, on a day to be appointed, Volunteer corps were to cease to exist, but volunteers were to have the option of enrolling in the territorial forces with the same rank that they previously held.
From this date until the Defence Act passed, the papers were full of letters, mostly anonymous, and interviews with “Military” men, and we discovered we had amongst us many wonderful soldiers and organizers, whose talents had been hidden, until the Volunteers were doomed.
The North Canterbury Infantry Brigade, with the Queen’s Cadets, were inspected hy the Officer Commanding the District on the 13th December; the strength was not given in the report, but “There was a good muster in all the companies, and the parade was very successful.” This closed the Volunteers’ work for the year.
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On the 24th December the Defence Act, 1909, became law. Instead of a day being appointed on which the Volunteer Force was to cease to exist, as proposed in the Bill, by Section 20 of the new Defence Act, it was enacted that after the commencement of the Act, the Volunteer corps should become the Territorial Force under the Act of 1909.
1909, the fiftieth year of Volunteering in New Zealand, opened with the Chief of the General Staff speaking “hopefully concerning the prospects of Volunteering for the coming year,” and it closed with the death of the Volunteer Force. The officers and men had performed their duty during the year with credit, as proved by the praise received from Commanding Officers and the Press, after the Easter manoeuvres, and also by the remarks of the Inspector-General in his report. Even the most exacting “Old Volunteer” and the “Man who has Served,” who are generally the most difficult to please, even they could but admire the excellent spirit of the Force with rumours of dissolution hanging over it. As regards the “Regulations,” five had been revoked, two amended, and two new ones added. In addition, consequent on the formation of Officers’ Training Corps, 54 special regulations were added. At the end of 1909 the “Defence Regulations” was a puzzling work to consult. No fresh edition had been issued since 1906, but of the 610 regulations it contained, 263 had been amended, 71 revoked, and (including those relating to Officers’ Training Corps) 135 new ones added. Anyone charged with a breach of the Regulations might well have pleaded he could not understand them. A copy, with the numerous “slips” inserted, and alterations noted up, is a
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truly wonderful production. The Volunteer Force of New Zealand, with its ten sets of regulations during its fifty years of existence, may well be called “The Army of Regulations.” May those to be framed for the Territorials be more lasting, and efficiency sought for, not by regulations, but by the employment of capable officers to keep in constant touch with the officers and men of the Forces.
1910.
Details of the new scheme of Defence, from the Wellington correspondent of the “Lyttelton Times,” appeared on the Bth January, 1910. The writer commenced: “From the end of February the old order of Volunteer Force will cease, and give place to a measure of compulsion, which will gradually be brought into operation.” The details naturally do not fall within the scope of these notes, but we have yet to follow the fortunes of the old Volunteer Force for two months.
The Ashburton Mounted Rifles went into camp on the Bth January, on the Ashburton Show Ground, 30 members parading.
On the 24th January the arrangements for the inspection of the troops of the Canterbury Military District by Lord Kitchener, appeared in orders, the forces were to be encamped in Hagley Park on Tuesday evening, the 22nd February. It was reported “Despite the fact that the camp would be for one day only, and that it will entail so much extra work, the whole of the Volunteer Corps are entering into the undertaking in a whole-souled manner, and it is almost certain that Lord Kitchener will see the best that Canterbury Volunteers can offer.”
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Special General Orders were issued by the Council of Defence on the 11th February, 1910. These contained the Capitation allowances for the Territorial Forces for the ensuing year, which would commence on the Ist March. From that date the election of officers was to cease, and in future acting appointments to a commission would be made on the recommendation of a Board of Selection composed of the Officer Commanding the District and Officer Commanding the Corps in which the vacancy occurred. And so, after many years, the practice of the rant and file electing their officers was swept away. It will be remembered it was pointed out, as long ago as the 28th February, 1863, that “the first cause of failure was the election of officers by the rank and file.” Colonels Fox and Fenton, and General Babington had again and again condemned the system, the lessons of history prove the baneful effects of such a course, yet the Volunteer Force throughout its existence, was handicapped by this pernicious custom. Promotion in future was to be made on the recommendation of a Board composed of the Inspector-General, Officer Commanding the District, and Officer Commanding the Corps in which a vacancy occurred.
No. 2 North Canterbury Infantry Battalion attended Divine Service at St. John’s Church on the 13th February, “and it was recognised that this was the last occasion upon which the Battalion would take part in a Church Parade in its Volunteer status.” Present 170 of all ranks.
Lord Kitchener arrived in Christchurch on the evening of the 21st February, 1910. On the platform of the railway station he was received by
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the Mayor of Christchurch and “the elect.” The Canterbury Highland Rifles formed a Guard of Honour, and the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry furnished an escort from the railway station to the Christchurch Club, where His Lordship stayed.
On the same day the Cadets went into camp at Hagley Park.
The defences of Lyttelton were inspected on the morning of the 22nd February by Lord Kitchener—the tour of the harbour “occupied an hour and a half.” When this was completed, he inspected the Lyttelton Division R.N.Z. Artillery, and the Lyttelton Volunteer Artillery Division; the inspection was brief. Lord Kitchener also inspected Fort Jervois, with which he was not impressed.
In the afternoon the cadets were inspected at the Addington Show Grounds. A half-holiday had been proclaimed, and the grounds were crowded with people eager to see Lord Kitchener. The object of his visit was to enable him to form an opinion of our defences and forces, and the half holiday should have been on the following day, when the Volunteers turned out, and thus have increased the attendance. But the public wanted their “show” and a fine afternoon at the grounds to see our distinguished visitor, and watch the boys parade, was more important to most than a full muster of the Volunteers for inspection by Lord Kitchener. This is another proof, if proof be required, that the defence question cannot be accepted seriously by the majority.
The parade was a most successful function, and the lads did credit to their instructors. 2052 Cadets, 320 Boy Scouts, and 125 female members of
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the St. John’s Ambulance Brigade were present on parade. After the boys had been inspected “a line of veterans, 50 strong” were inspected by Lord Kitchener; they included old men of the Crimea and Indian Mutiny days down to young ones who had fought in the Boer War. It was a varied lot, the grizzled old soldiers of the “fifties” contrasting strangely with a representative of the Legion of Frontiersmen in the uniform of his corps, which appeared mainly leather, in the form of bandolier, revolver case, gauntlets and gaiters.
When the inspection was concluded the boys “marched part,” and, deservedly, gained the applause of the spectators. The “march past” was unparalleled in one particular—for the first, and last time, in the history of the Canterbury Volunteers, a body of women marched by the Inspecting Officer.
On the evening of the 22nd January “The scene at the King Edward Barracks was unique in the history of the defence forces of Canterbury. It was in all probability one of the few remaining occasions upon which the force, as it is constituted, will assemble. The occasion responsible for the assembly was also unique, and it will be probably many years ere the forces will be called out for operations under the direction of a Field Marshal.” So commences the report. As a matter of fact, it was the last assembly of the Canterbury Volunteers.”
At 7 p.m. the men began to assemble, and at 7.45 p.m. marched to Hagley Park, and took over the tents which had been occupied by the Cadets.
“ Owing to the inability of many men to get leave it was not anticipated the muster would be very
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large. Nevertheless the marching-in state showed that a fairly large proportion of the full strength was present.” The marehing-in state was 1153, but this number was considerably increased by later arrivals. The total of all ranks who attended the manoeuvres was E.N.Z. Artillery 30, Volunteers 1460, and Defence Cadets 623. The Defence Cadets attended the parade at Addington, and were included in the 2052 above mentioned, the remainder being Public School Cadets.
At 1.30 a.m. on the 23rd January the Officer Commanding the Camp “issued his first order, and this was followed by two others, the last one dealing with the scheme of the day. Briefly put, it was that an enemy had occupied a position at the Halswell Quarries, and was threatening Christchurch. The enemy was reported to be of approximately equal strength with the force in camp, and had in addition his fighting position chosen. ’ ’
At 4 a.m. the camp awoke, and at 5 a.m. the infantry fell in and marched to Victoria Street, when they entrained in trams, which left for Spreydon at 5.30 a.m., and arrived at the terminus at 5.55 a.m. Prom Spreydon the men marched to Halswell to await further orders. In the meantime the mounted troops and artillery had proceeded by road to the same place.
The Officer Commanding having made his preliminary arrangements for attacking the enemy, awaited the arrival of Lord Kitchener before the “battle” commenced.
The enemy was represented by a skeleton force consisting of 40 members of the Canterbury
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Yeomanry Cavalry, and one gun from the E, Battery under Colonel Tuson, the Adjutant-General of the Forces.
At 8.15 a.m. Lord Kitchener arrived at Halswell, and the manoeuvres commenced. No attempt will be made to follow or criticise the operations of the day, or to award praise or hlame, hut following the course laid down in compiling these notes, the following extracts will be taken from an article in one of the Christchurch papers on the 24th February as an index of what the public thought. “The Canterbury Defence Forces seem to have acquitted themselves reasonably well under the test conditions arranged by Lord Kitchener. When the men left Hagley Park camp soon after daybreak they were not in their best form. Many of them had not secured any rest at all during the night, not having reached their tents until the small hours of the morning, and the most fortunate had snatched only two or three hours of uneasy slumber.” “The attack entailed a long journey on foot from the Spreydon tramway, and then much heavy marching over rough country before the enemy, represented by a skeleton force, could be driven from, its position.” The writer then proceeded to judge the display “from the point of view of military science” (for which he was no doubt eminently qualified), enlarging on the mistakes, and continued: “The errors made, however, were those which are readily condoned in the case of inexperienced troops, and may be attributed to some extent to the unusual conditions under which the work was done. The powers of endurance displayed by the men, on the other hand, were most gratifying. The forces
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covered from fifteen to twenty miles, and did some heavy climbing under a hot sun and with service equipments, and they seemed to have plenty of energy still in reserve when they returned to the camp early in the afternoon. ” “ The Government has recognised that the existing provision for defence is not sufficient for the needs of the Dominion, and is taking steps under the new Defence Act to create a citizen army in which we all hope to see embodied the men whose loyalty and devotion to duty have made possible the continuance of the Volunteer system for so long a period of years.”
The Battle of Halswell was the last manoeuvres in which the Canterbury Volunteers were to take part.
The men returned to camp at 2 p.m., which shortly after was broken up.
On the 28th February, 1910, the Volunteer Force ceased to exist, those serving at the time becoming “Territorials.”
In conclusion it should not be forgotten by the public that for fifty years the Volunteer Force stood between their fellow citizens and a militia, thus saving them from the burden of personal service, in what would have been a most unpopular force, and a burden which must have been shared by all classes of the community. In addition the voluntary services rendered by the Force, saved the public from being taxed to support a Militia, which would have cost far more than the money expended on the Volunteers, and this was no small service. In times of danger, from the Native Wars, to the War in South Africa, the Volunteers provided a large number for service in the field. But for the
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Volunteers, the earlier contingents for South Africa could not have been so quickly and efficiently formed, and we should remember the First and Second Contingents were mainly formed of Volunteers, the men who gained so good a name for the Colony, and established the traditions which succeeding Contingents maintained. Many of the public functions during the past half century would have been miserable failures but for the manner in which the citizen soldiers performed their duties. For this alone they deserve, if not the thanks, at least the remembrance of their fellow Colonists. As regards the discipline of, and the excellent spirit which animated the force during its existence, the reports of Inspecting Officers, from Colonel Haultain in 1868 to the last published by the Council of Defence in 1909, bear witness. And this has been maintained throughout, during good times and bad times, frequently under the greatest discouragement, even when neglected by the Government of the day, despised by the “superior” men of business, and jeered at by the ignorant.
If these notes preserve the memory of the work done by the old Force, the time occupied in compiling them will not have been spent in Vain.
In 1862, when the Volunteers were disbanded to be enrolled under new Regulations, the Governor, Sir George Grey, thanked the officers and men for their past services. It was a graceful act, and was received with appreciation, but when the Volunteer Force passed out last February it was in silence. One waited in vain for any acknowledgment, not so much for those who were then serving, but to the memory of former comrades, who long since
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attended their last parade, and of the work they had in their day rendered to the State. Old Volunteers still surviving feel this bitterly. If the Volunteer Force had been passed out for mutiny or misconduct it could not have been treated worse. The bitterness is accentuated by the fact that the Council of Defence, who it may be taken, was the body to have advised so small a recognition of the loyal service that had been freely given, contained officers who had themselves served in the Volunteers, and hut for such service would not now hold the positions they do.
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Bibliographic details
APA: Slater, H. (Henry). (1910). Fifty years of volunteering : the army of regulations. Whitcombe and Tombs.
Chicago: Slater, H. (Henry). Fifty years of volunteering : the army of regulations. Christchurch, N.Z.: Whitcombe and Tombs, 1910.
MLA: Slater, H. (Henry). Fifty years of volunteering : the army of regulations. Whitcombe and Tombs, 1910.
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Fifty years of volunteering : the army of regulations Slater, H. (Henry), Whitcombe and Tombs, Christchurch, N.Z., 1910
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