Volunteers

Feilding Star, Volume VIII, Issue 53, 14 October 1886, Page 4

Volunteers

Th&.Auckland Bell says:— "We do p»i think the cost of the Volunteer Force should now be a matter of complaint. It. Has probably risen considerably since the present Government took charge of it ; but something is now being gained for the money, whilst before the pursuit had assumed such a dilletante character that its utility was becoming doubtful. The Volunteer Department should be held to supply to the youths and young N men of the country the v muscular and physical training tha. the Educational Department sets itseif to do for their intellectual development. But it is a mistake to suppose that the Volunteers may never be required for active service. The time may* an^ probably will, come, when their aid may be of ~ most valuable moment. It is not to "be. supposed that Great Britain will always be able to keep clear of war with foreign Powers, and scarcely could any hostilities take place beween England and another nation without there being more or less of risk of cruisers visiting these colonies. In such case it will be of the utmost importance to prevent their landing. "Upon the courage, skill, and training of fee Volunteers the colonists will mainly have to depend to prevent an enemy landing, and that we have reason to know is looked upon by high authorities, as the greatest help a colony can supply. We are glad to -think that, the Government recognise this necessity, and are sensibly dealing with the Volunteers as if there might be early need of their services. There is no half measure in the matter. There is one feature of Volunteering to which too much attention cannot be given^ We allude to rifle shooting. We are pleased to see that measures are being taken to encourage competition shooting biit we think they should not stand short of the last incentive which has been -found efficacious in other colonies, namely, representation in the universal English fi«ld at Wimbledon. Next year will }»c tLe Jubilee Celebration, and the annual struggle at Wimbleden will giin immensely in the interest which will attach to it, for the Volunteer movement is one of the proudest re- ■ cords of the Queen's reign. If in the meanwhile the Volunteers show sufficient aptitude, we should hope it will not be impossible to send Home a wortly team to do battle for New Zealand.