THE AUCKLAND VOLUNTEER BATTALION.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIII, Issue 64, 17 March 1902, Page 2

THE AUCKLAND VOLUNTEER BATTALION.

(To the Editor.) bir,—As a very old, volunteer, and naving had considerable experience m assisting- in raising- mounted corps l am sorry to disagree with " Rifleman i n « Volunteer Defence Notes " Jn your issue on Wednesday as to naming- any gentleman as "ideal" lor the post of Major to the Auckland Battalion. I think the Defence Department shows a wise discretion in keeping the same an open question until . the return of Colonel Davies, who I believe and hope will again take command of the Auckland district, and will be free to make his own choice of Major. As regards the "ideal" part of the business, Captain James Reid, who now commands the district, having for many years' held command of cavalry, mounted infantry and infantry corps, is infinitely 'better fitted for the position than the gentleman named by " Rifleman," being- well known and most popular with all. corps for a hundred miles' circuit; he has passed through every grade from bugler (at 13), non-com., and commissioned rank in volunteers in the Old Country, holding- Her late Majesty's commission for same, and has done more in raising- corps in New Zealand than all of us put together; thoroughly understands " colonials " — being one himself after all these years—and offered for service in South Africa, whereas Captain Holgate has only been in the country a few years. Being a man of means and leisure, I do think before he aspires to such a position he should, as others have done, take his turn in South Africa- For my part, I think any man holding the King's commission, and being offered the opportunity, should embrace it or retire —note the men of all professions who have gone with lower rank, and is such a rank as " Major" to be given for the asking? I say, let them win it. The corps won't get rusty under Captain Reid without a major or battalion for a time. Wishing to see the best man in the best place, and feeling every confidence in our Defence authorities, with " a man from the front" at the head of affairs, notwithstanding the suggestions and carping criticisms constantly appearing.—l am, etc.,

FOSSTL TROOPER.

£>.&—One word more: New uniforms of " green" have been suggested—are the grand old colours, scarlet and blue, in which all past o-lories were won, and khaki, in which colonials have enveloped themselves with glory, to be cast aside? T^et scarlet and blue remain for gala and girl days and khaki for work.