LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 14, Issue 1164, 24 June 1870, Page 3

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

The Editor does not hold himself responsible for opinions expressed by correspondents. Sib, — I see . the Volunteers •who have served a term of five years in their different companies, are now getting a grant of land. By Jove, sir, they have earned it. The gallant Volunteers — never absent from drill — never down the coast buying cattle — never in Australia, selectiug ranis, but always at roll-call, to give in the number of their mess, — these men are now receiving their laurels. How different to the poor Militiaman, who has done his little whack, who has formed fours, skirmished, formed solid squares, that no Volunteer could break through j shot pigeons with his rifle, stuck pigs with his bayonet, and acquired a habit of squinting, from a muddled idea that "eyes front " means for the whole company to look at their noses. After all this, what have the Militia (who should be paid men) received for the time they have given, which some of them can ill afford to give in these days, and receive nothing in return. Now, as a Volunteer, who, for his five years' service, gets £30 worth of land, I would go in for Government to exempt every Militiaman who has served his five years from paying the Education Hate for the same term. The militia are a brave body of men ; they have done their work ; and, very naturally, would like to receive what pay is due to them. By Jove, sir, a militiaman in full rig, with bayonet fixed, and at the double, is a dreadful instrument of war, and strikes terror to the heart as he rushes on to glory. — I am, &c,, Young Mast named Gxtppy.