VOLUNTEERS FOR THE FRONT.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3220, 25 October 1881, Page 2

VOLUNTEERS FOR THE FRONT.

[To the Editor of the Dah-y Tei/EOEaph.] Sir, —As an admirer of British pluck, may I ask why our volunteers have not offered their services for the front in this our hour of need. On former occasions (especially at the festive board) the wellknown bellicose remark of our gallant Maior, •' We are ready," was received with enthusiasm when there was an apparent likelihood of the services of onr volunteers being required. Now, Sir, I would ask, has the enthusiasm or old fire of our gallant Commander of Her Majesty's Colonial Volunteer Forces in the district waxed dim, or does he forget his exploits at Omaranui; if he does, his old comrades in arms do not. It seems to me that this district has been Blighted somewhat by the Government not asking the same question asked of the volunteers of Auckland, Nelson, and other districts. It would be unnecessary to send a steamer for them, as they could proceed overland in a few hours. I truet that our local volunteers have not descended to the dignity of " carpet soldiers." In conclusion I hope that this will rouse some of the old martial ardour which is now lying dormant in the breasts of our volunteers, and that we shall very shortly hear that they are not behind in patriotism.—l am, &c,

Musket,

Napier, October 25, 1881