VOLUNTEERS AND THEIR OFFICERS.

Evening Post, Volume LXXVI, Issue 142, 15 December 1908, Page 4

VOLUNTEERS AND THEIR OFFICERS.

TO TOT XSITOE. Sir,— l would liko ,to say a few words regarding our volunteers. Having had some years of military training in the army at Home, also military service in other colonies, I must say that the volunteers here are very slack as regards officerc and discipline of the companies, and are not encouraging for any emart man to join. I have very often been on parade and have seen men not know what to do regarding the order given by the company officer. The said officer should know more about the drill, and take more command of the company when on parade. I know some will say we do not want too much discipline in our volunteers, like the regulars, and every man should use his own common sense; but in war if every man gets that idea into his head there would not be many victories for our side, and the main thing to get a victory is for every man to do what he is told — not for all to try to do what they think is best. I believe more is done in Wellington "Volunteer Battalion here by what the rank and file think than by the orders of officers commanding the different companies. I have often been down to drill, and found that some of the men have arranged the order of work among themselves. Woll, that is not good enough for any men of military training and experience. The officer should bo a man who can command I men, and kno»vs ho has the confidence to j be able to command, and when ho gives an order ho will see that it is carried out properly, not leaving the men to find the best way they can to right themselves. — I am, etc., EX-DRAGOON.