RECOGNITION TO VOLUNTEERS

Press, Volume LXVII, Issue 13958, 3 February 1911, Page 10

RECOGNITION TO VOLUNTEERS

XO THE EDITOR OF "THE TlflSSS.' , -~.' Sir, —Tho remarks pf tho Premier on - the matter of. recognition to volunteers, so far 83* it concerns old officers, gcante and men who have done their duty in- fcho past, will be recognised as something to tickle the ears of .tho, groundlings. Those who under tho old regulations were unablo to obtain the most .meagre recognition, who vera flouted when they asked- to bo included, in the reserve, or even allowed to enrol' in the "district, reserve," tako such professions at their face value, which is nil. In England, men above sergeants' rank are allowed, on retirement, to -wear-the uniform when permission is asked, and in the Dominion an Act wae intended for the like purpose, but on four separate occasions the Governor and his "responsible ndvlswa'* have "been known to refuse such requested The Minister for Defence, leplying ooono occasion, regretted that ''to grant the request would bo establishing a precedent." On the other hand, while many of the old volunteers have Leen cast off like old shoes, officers who have been only for a brief period connected with a company have palled the 'strings and been posted to the reserve, and are counting up Iho days when they will receive a "long service medal." Since the Premier's speech has re-opened the question, w> apology is needed for adding that Jie,