THE VOLUNTEERS.

Evening Post, Volume LII, Issue 162, 30 November 1896, Page 2

THE VOLUNTEERS.

TO THE EDITOB. Sib— The election is close at hand, and the nominations are out. One question for electors has only been touched upon. Is the expenditure on defence through the volunteers necessary ? And, if neoessary, is j it sufficient per head to encourage the movement? The volunteers of the colony do not realise their strength as electors, nor combine to bring about a satisfactory solution. In Wellington they total between 900 and 400 voters, including men who havo

served and those who would join if the monetary strain was relieved. Then volunteers, during the next five days, should select a oandiuate who would take up their position in the House, and whose influence would have weight with members from all constituencies. Such a one, I take, would he found in Mr. A. A. Stuart Menteath. He has served the city before, and does not require to pass a novitiate. He has been to England, and would be conversant with the volunteer system in Great Britain. The volunteers have now an opportunity of returning a member, be he whom they may select, who will take up their unsatisfactory present position, and endeavour to put our citizen soldiers on a better footing and somewhat on even terms with their Australian brethren in arms. I am, &c, Ex-VOLUNTEEB.