The Herald. Alexandra, Wednesday, January 17. OUR LOCAL VOLUNTEER CORPS.

Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, Issue 504, 17 January 1906, Page 4

The Herald. Alexandra, Wednesday, January 17. OUR LOCAL VOLUNTEER CORPS.

The Alexandra Rifles go into camp to-morrow evening for their annual instruction, and we are led to believe that in all probability this will prove the last camp of our volunteers, for there is some talk of the company disbanding. This is to be sincerely regretted, for it was but a short time ago that Alexandra could boast of the smartest-looking company on the goldfields. The corps then comprised volunteers who would be a credit to any company in a large city, some of whom are still in the ranks ; but of late little interest has been manifested in the progress and welfare of the corps. What enthusiasm has been shown was by the officers themselves, who have conducted the company with great vigour and often at much inconvenience to themselves. We must not lose sight of the fact that a volunteer corps in a town like Alexandra has much to commend itself for, if it is merely to show a good example to the younger generation. Five years ago, when the Alexandra Rifles were in a flourishing condition, and when the utmost good humor and • buoyancy prevailed amongst the men, the formation of a cadet corps was mooted, but it was not until some time afterwards that the cadet company was practically formed. Yet to-day we have in our town a juvenile corps that we may well be proud of. These lads are interested in their drill, and as they grow up in years they can be drafted into the older ranks, and past experience can speak of the great benefit to be derived in any company by the inclusion of these juveniles. Every provision is made by the Defence Department to induce our young men to take an active interest in volunteering, for in these days of world-wide unrest every man should be able to handle a rifle intelligently and shoot straight, as well as to be able to shoot a goal on the football field. A matter of considerable importance to a volunteer company has perhaps been lost sight of by the officers of our local rifles, and that is the encouragement of private rifle matches. These matches would have the effect of gaining recruits for the volunteer forces, inasmuch as individuals unacquainted with the rifle would by this means acquire a knowledge of it, and not until then do most men realise the benefits to be derived of volunteering. Regarding the company disbanding, it must not be forgotten that only recently the Cromwell Rifles were in a similar plight, and now we find this company in a more flourishing position than ever. We understand that while in camp the men of the local corps will be called together to discuss the advisability of disbanding, and we would fain hope to hear of this suggestion being completely dispelled. The present members of the company should be unanimous in their desire to again bring the corps to a state of efficiency, and our young colonial should bear in mind that the material for making soldiers in this country is as fine as any in the British Empire, the one thing needed being a highly-trained ' nucleus around which to form an army in time of trouble. Volunteering in the colony is certainly on the inr crease, and we would exhort the young men of Alexandra to enter enthusiastically into their duties as citizens and become volunteers, for the time may not be far distant when they will be again called upon to uphold the safety and honor of our nation, like the many brave colonial heroes who gallantly fought the battles of their country on the arid plains and kopjes of South Africa against the wily Boer.