ORGANIZATION OF A CANTERBURY RIFLE CORPS.

Auckland Examiner, Volume IV, Issue 271, 9 June 1860, Page 3

ORGANIZATION OF A CANTERBURY RIFLE CORPS.

The Canterbury Standard of 3rd ult., says : It is really a matter of regret that we eannotorganise even a Company of Riflemen with anything like unanimity. It is but natural that volunteers should feel bellicose when confronted with an enemy on the field of battle, but to carry their warlike propensity into all the preliminary arrangements necessary to form them into an efficient force, is carrying the professional esprit de corps far beyond its legitimate limits. Tho conduct of many members at the last meeting evinced not only a considerable waning of their previous enthusiasm, but also a frivolous, carping, discontented spirit, that bids fair to become difficult to reduce to proper discipline and subordination. In every part of the British dominions where Rifle Corps have been formed, the members had to suffer inconveniences, but in all accounts from England, and with few exceptions, elsewhere, these have been cheerfully submitted to, during both the necessary steps of formation and subsequent drills. When tbe noblemen of Great Britain wear serge uniforms, surely it cannot degrade those of an infinitely lower scale of position and intelligence, yet some here object to it lest it render them “a ridiculous laughing-stock.” Bravo ! What will the Duke of Newcastle, the Duke of Argyle, Lord Palmerston, Lord Elcho,' and all the other Lords drilling in serge uniforms say to that? If this is not a perfect specimen of the cacoethes of parvenu gentility, and mawuawe honte of vanity, we should like to knoiv how it can be surpassed. The other objections generally raised, although not so ludicrously snobbish and absurd, were trifling and futile. If it be meritorious to become a disciplined and expert rifleman, surely .it is worth a little self-denial; and what rperit can be acquired without it? 'The carping and discontented had better withdraw at once, for they can never become a cause of pride or emulation to the corps; for, without the intention of cheerfully fulfilling their duties, they must make up their minds to remain permanent members of the ** Awkward Squad.” We sympathise with poor laboring men, who can badly afford to pay for their, uniform or lose a day’s work, during these slack times, but if they will become volunteers, they cannot expect to be exempted from the inevitable inconveniences common to all. We have no doubt the Commanding Officer will qualify time and circumstances in their favor, as much as possible ; but to expect that bte will be able to remove every cause of objection, and simultaneously apply those to meet individual requirements is purely absurd, the thing being absolutely impossible. Notwithstanding these untoward circumstances we hope soon to see Christchurch turn out as fine and efficient a corps of riflemen as any in tbe colony.

HOW MAGUIE ARNOLD CURED HER HUSBAND OF SMOKING.

Maggie Arnold was arrayed for a promenade with her hnsbind, who bad'promised to wait on her an heat previously. She had sag,in her chamber all this time, now md then rising to lsSk out to catch the first glimpse of che truant; but she had not yet discovered airy signs of him. At last, tired of waiting, she aross, and hastily Unfastened her bonnet and shawl, flung them witban impatient gestnre on tha table, while she muttered to herself rather angrily, Some unforseen circumstance delayed me, will be his excuse to-night, I suppose ; bnt tbe next time he iuvites me to walk I shall have a previous engagement—of course I shall! Descending to the sitting-room, the first eight that greeted her eyes was the veritable subject ot tbe last hour’s cogitations- There be sat, the very personification of calm content and happiness, and reading the news and puffing away so lustily at a fragrant Havanna, that lie appeared as if he never again expected to enjoy such a treat. The room was filled with a dense smoke ; his hat had fallen to the floor, and lay so close to the grate that it seemed in great danger of getting scorched. A .single, glance took in tbe whole scene, and her exclamation was Well, I declare. Fred, if this isu’t too provoking ! Here I find yon sitting and smoking with as much nncono_»rn as if you baln't asked m to walk, and I Was not wai:i >g with the patience of Job—or. as Funny Fern more truthfully says, with the patience of woman, for your lordship's appearance. But my dear, blandv answered Fred. I had such a nice cigar I thought I would enjoy it, thinking it but little consequence if you did wait jneta minute or two; but never mind it now, Maggie ; I’ll soen finish it, and then we’ll take a walk- So look pleasant, and smooth your ruffled feathers, continued he, smiling and stroking her hair, as he would hare dene to soothe u frightened kitten. Bnt Maggie ArnoU was sadly vexed ; She was in no mood to be easily coaxed. Fred’s first remarks were still ; sonndiug in her ears, and so she answered, echoing his words, Little consequence I No, lam not of much consequence, to be sure, sinoeyon are willing to neglect me . for that filthy cigar. Oh, Fred, you’ll break my heart I you will never leave off smoking—oh dear !oh dear ! 1 shall certainly die ! and the miserable lady threw herseif upon- the sofa, and gave way to a violent fit of weeping. Fred jumped np, took the cigar from his lips, and placed it upon the mantel. There, said he, I have done . smoking Forever? interrupted Maggie, looking np with an inquiring gaze. For now, replied Fred, and he went on to say, now for the walk ; please tell me where I may find my cane ;eome Maggie. But, Fred, you will leave off smoking—you love me, do you not ?

Ah, yes, to distraction, dear lady, he answered, with a theatrical start ; placing his right hand upon his heart and throwing an arm about her waist, be gently lifted her from the sofa.

Don’t talk such nonsense, persisted the offended one ; sav. now, when will yon leave off smoking ? Can’t say, replied Fred carelessly. Why not 2 said Maggie ; and echo answers, why not?

The plagues take me if I can answer that question, said Fred to himself. A moment's silence, then he quietly answered, Don’t know, Maggie Are yon a Know-nothing ? asked Maggie. Yes, said Fred. And again there was a pause for the space of five miuutes, during which time our hero amused himself by walking backwards and forwards whistling the patriotic tune of Red, White and Bine. As for Maggie. she appeared to be intently regarding the wrought figure in tbe tear-stained handkerchief with an uncommon interest. There was evidently some important thing revolving in her mind—whether it was the subject of the late conversation or something else, we shall ascertain hereafter.

At last, suddenly jumping up as though the conclusion was arrived al, she thrust he handkerchief in her pocket and said, as she turned towards the door, I’ll be ready for the walk soon.

There was a menanciug smile upon her countenance as she sail this, and Fred saw, but could not understand it. It was a smile of satisfaction ; a reproachful smile ; and in vain did he endeavor tosolvo it.

But while the married pair are enjoying their walk, we will taka a retrospective view of their past history, at least a few months back.

Frederick and Margaretta Arnold bad boen wedded a year, and nothing had occnred to mar their conjngal happiness except that the former was exceedingly fond of cigars which was source of great annoyance to the latter.

Maggie, as she was familiarly called, was a neat and busy housewife, and it was very vexing to her to behold parts of cigars lying about, sometimes on the mantel, sometimes upon the floor. Qnite ns often would she find a half-smoked one resting upon the snowy cloth that covered the centre-table, or on an open book, covering it with ashes. Besides, she did not like the smell of cigars, she hated the smoke ; it always made her eyes smart badly. But she at first only chided her careless husband, who wondered greatly what she found so very disagreeable in his choice of cigars; Thus far no progress had been made in his reformation and she saw him growing more and more incorrigible every day as the habit grew stronger. No method had presented itself to her mind by which she could bring about the consummation of her great wish; until the event occurred where our sketch opens; when she beheld herself of secondary importance to a fine cigar, she thought it time io do something. While she sat upon the sofa a desperate resolution was taken—it was this:She resolved that she would begin to smoke cigars herself—disagreeable as they were. And just as long as Fred smokes I shall'.

Frederick was a good-hearted fellow, and dearly loved his black-eyed Maggie, and meant to do everything to make her happy. As for this habit of smoking he did not actually realise it to be so great a source of annoyance and unhappiness to her. Either his eztreme love for it had blinded him to a knowledge of the state of her feelings, or his odd notions, which men always have, that women are whimsical, led him to disregard alike her gentle cbidings and remonstrances. # * * * * *

It appears to ms that you look nnusually thoughtful, Maggie, said Frederick Arnold to bis wife, as they entered the sitting-room after their return from their walk.

What in the world are you thinking of ? Ob, something—the very same thing that occupied my thoughts while sitting there an hour sittce> said she pointing to the sofa. Ah. indeed ! Well what is it ?

That yon shall soon know, she i eplied. How mysterious you are, laughed Fred as be took another fresh Havanna from his cigar-case. Lighting it, he walked from the room, bidding her at tbe same a very affectionate good-bye. The street door had hardly closed when Maggie arose from her seat, and, putting on her bonnet and shawl, went out too. But her path lay in a different direction from Fred Arnold's—it led to the cigar-shop, where were kept, she had heard it reported, the best cigars in town. Entering, she purchased a box of precious things and proceeded homeward. Now for the first lesson, said she, as she took one out of the box and seated herself in her husband’s arm chair near the fire. Ugh ! put this iu my mouth'! and an expression of disgust settled upon her features while she held the cigar daintily between her finger and thumb Her courage was fast waning, but she thought of her resolution, and adding where there’s a will there’s a way, in a few moments was smoking away like one long practised. A half hour passed and the cigar was nearly finished, when she began to grow violently sick. Ob. that filthy cigar, how ill it made her ! But the next day her bad feelings were gone, and she found that on the second attempt they tronbled her but little.

Thus she proceeded cautiously, designed to expose to her husband her new formed habit in a manner apparently nnintentienal, ns soon as it became a confirmed one, and she could enjoy a fine cigar as well as Fred Arnold ! fTo be concluded in our next.)