THE DOMINION SCOUTS.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 265, 1 August 1908, Page 7

THE DOMINION SCOUTS.

A preliminary meeting of thoso interested in tho proposal to form a special corps of returned soldiers was held last night. Men returned or retired from active service are usually reluctant to take regular part in tho ordinary volunteer movement; unci it is folt iii Wellington that it was a thing altogether undesirable tliat men who had borne arduous and honourable part in the great war in South Africa should stand aside from tho del'cnco movement in the .Dominion. The men woro accordingly canvassed by enthusiasts of the new idea, and in "itli cases tney eipressed their willingness to co-operate. Captain Gardiner (4th"and Bth New Zealand contingents) was voted to tho chair, and said that tho original advertisement suggested tho formation of a corps of infantry; but conversation with the men concerned showed that they wore unanimous in tho opinion that it would bo preforablc to form a corps of scouts. Colonel Davits, Inspector General of tho Forces, was understood to be in hearty agreeinont with that suggestion. The movement had apparently secured tho sanction and approval of tho leading military officers of the Dominion. Ho had personally explained to Colonel Bauchop the object of the movoment, and ho had agreed to moot them on any ovening that might prove suitable... ; Corporal Chirnside moved that a company be: formed, to be called tho Dominion Scouts. This would prove much moro interesting and at-, tractive to the' men than tho formation of any infantry corps. Sorgeant W. A. Edwards (Shropshire Regiment) seconded the motion, which was adopted unanimously.

Captain Gardiner was appointed secretary, and Sorgeant Cecil Brown (4th and 9th New Zealand) treasurer. Tho following wore clectcd as a committee, with-the secretary and treasurer isx officio:— Sergeant W. A. Edwards (Shropshire Regimont), Sergeant H. u'ilkins (Inniskilling Dragoons), Corporal W. Chirnsido, Trooper F. T. Williams (Bth Now Zealand), Corporal C. E. Clifford (Bth Now Zealand), Trooper W. H. Chandler (B.S.A. Police), Trooper A. Houston (Irish Yeomanry), Trooper F. M. Wood (Imperial Yeomanry), Corporal T. C. Tester (sth Now Zealand), Trooper A. J3. Lewis (Nntal Police), and Corporal L. B. Stansell (7th New Zealand). Various other matters affecting tho project were informally discussed, and it was agreed that stops should be taken as early as might prove practicajilo to affiliate with tho King's Colonials and the League of Frontiersmen.