ARMS-MEN AND BOYS

Evening Post, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 126, 29 May 1915, Page 11

ARMS-MEN AND BOYS

ZEAL OF THE CITY AN EAGERNESS FOR SERVICE. (By "Memor.") Church-bells at noon, bugle fanfares by day and night, the tramp of men and boys in the streets, the manoeuvres of platoons in open spaces, motor-cars flashing with flags, and the lists of volunteers — these are signs that Wellington ib aware of the war. These are times when the beat of a drum stins heart and mind, and takes thought in a moment across the seas to the clash of mighty armies. Nowadays, the man with either too much or too little music in his soul can be patient with the zealous bugler who ie learning the calls. So much nerve force is needed for the big business of the Empire that little things are losing their power to vex and irritate. The great ! co-operation has made a broad tpirit of toleration. I ******* The lights of the drill yard by Bucklestreet make a yellow flare in the mistiness of an autumn night, and in. the thin risings of dust from the quick-step-ping. Six or seven platoons are moving at once, and they nave to be Bki)fully steered to prevent collisions. A roar of orders gives pleasure to a few onlookers at the gate, and confusion to some of the" recruits of a Rifle Reserve platoon. They have difficulty in distinguishing their own officer's voice amid this runbling jumble of commands. Why wonder if, now and then, one mistakes his right side for the left? However, the new members are carried along by more experienced comrades, and at last the drill is through, and they are an appreciable stage nearer that much-desired fitness to take a useful part in the defence of New Zealand. The Rifle Reserve, composed of members of Rifle Clubs, promises to be a valuable adjunct to the Territorials. **■****_ In a big shed of the Harbour Board j members of the National Reserve find healthful exercise, which wears down the tissue of peace. Drill comes strangely to some^but they are all eager to learn, and they do make progress. Men of all classes — professional, commercial, and industrial — are in these ranks, which grow from day to day. Tho badge appears now on so many civilian coats that in the near future its absence, or the lack of an equivalent, may cause questions to be asked. Wellington was not first in the field with this organisation, but when the movement did extend to this district the headway was rapid. Throughout New Zealand these Reservists have a zoal for work, and they are training for important duties. The possibility of a call may be remote, but they have one certainty — the benefit of the drill and tho marching. Some who had not thought deeply about the physical-culture 6ide of the compulsory system of defence now see it in a new light, and they believe that the expenditure is worth while for the physical training alone and tho hardening of the body. Their belief is that] a course with a corps of the National Reserve would help much in the conversion of " anti-militarists " 'into supporters of rational national defence. Many a former arm-chair marshal forsakes the fireside at least once a week ; the theory of splendid, victory — if French, or Joffre, or the Grand Duke' Nicholas would do or not do this or that — is set aside for some practice in elementary military exercises ; and he who onco felt equal to the free gift of Napoleonic counsel to hasten th© end of the war, is content to obey the orders of a sergeant. Instead of arguing how the German salient hero and there could be battered away, the lay generalissimo is busy with the reduction of hie own curves, and his figure feels better and looks better for tho effort. He is taken out of the rut of routine; he meets men who do not ordinarily com© into his life of work or play ; h© has a new view of his city and country ; he discovers th© Empire. Thus the national sentiment grows in solidarity and strength, and th© good of it will endure long after the war. Every drill and every parade of tho Reserve is a benefit to the whole community. The sense of citizenship is fully awakened >nd quickened. A great British brotherhood is developing well. ****** How an adult can envy the echoolboys, thrilled through and through by the war. They have no dread of trade depression, no fear of economic doldrums. They see only an impudent and imprudent Germany challenging the might of Britain, and they wait impatiently for tho inevitable defeat of the world's enemies. Some of them confidently ex* pected miracles. They hoped for victory by_ a eudden sweeping onset — feats to eclipse the exploits of the Black Prince, Henry V., Marlborongh, and Wellington. They have gradually learned something of the difficulties, but these do not disturb their anticipation of the triumph to come. This rising generation has a strong feeling against Germany. The young minds and hearts are free for an intensity of passion against the oppressors of brave little Belgium, penned in a corner of their ravaged country, but unconqnered. Of course, each boy has a marshal's baton in his school-bag, next to the ruler and the pencil-case. Th© old yearning among many for engine-driving or tho management of pastry-cooks' and confectioners' shops is supplemented by tho ambition for fame in the Army or Navy. They are students of strategy, and tho bigger ones argue about offensives and defensives. Fathers have to read and think to qualify for a possible answering of shrewd questions — and in some cases the boy is perhaps teacher to tho man. In these days th© juvenile warriors can offer a good excuse for a torn garment; they can plead a patriotic rent. They have mimic battles on the Town Belt, and sometimes barbed wire entanglements make a difficulty for one army or both. Recently a little fort, screened by cut gorse, was visible on the Kelburn side of the Town Belt. Also, some boys were seen busily plying implements in a scheme of entrenchments. One side has to be the attacker, but no side is willing to bear th© burden of a German name, and therefore new styles and titles have to be found for the "enemy." It is invigorating sport; it is helping to make and shape the future manhood. Boy Scouts have a new dignity, which they carry well. They may have some pity for the undisciplined rough-and-tumble melees of the young fighters on the hillside. The Scouts have a set purpose ; they are in training : they have a sense of responsibility. They know that their comrades of Britain have been fitted usefully into the plans for coastal defence, and they are preparing for any similar call here. The different circumstances and the bare possibility of the need do not lessen their ardour. They have a spirited stride behind the drum, and they have a keen zest for the crosscountry work. Young Britain is alert and active. Young Britain is eager to give manful service to the cause of old Britain.