A WARNING TO VOLUNTEERS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXVII, Issue 8125, 23 March 1887, Page 5

A WARNING TO VOLUNTEERS.

[By Telegraph.] [from our own correspondent.] WELLINGTON, March 22. The following general order has been issued:— Defence Office, Wellington, March 10. [circular, no. 11,] The Major-General commanding has had his attention drawn to the circumstances that an officer on the active list recently, and not long ago several officers at another station, took part in uniforn more or less complete at a demonstration of a denominational or sectarian character. This cannot be allowed. He desires to inform the Volunteer force that if repeated after this order by any Officer or Volunteer, his name will be at once submitted to His Excellency for dismissal. It appears that some Officers and Volunteers regard Section 175 of the Volunteer regulations simply to prohibit them from taking a part in political demonstrations in uniforms under arms, bnt the importance of preventing the Volunteera from taking part in any sectarian or political action whatever, as a military force, and the necessity of preventing, as far as possible, introducing an element of discord into its ranks, is so obvious that the Major-General is resolved to take the most severe steps in the event of-thiKordAr-hmierowAia,* ungreiore, that no trifling alteration of uniform, or the fact of not carrying arms, will be regarded as an excuse. Volunteers in their private capacity are not required to abstain from any action they may deem proper in such matters, but they must remember what is due to the uniform of the Colony, and not excite a hostile feeling in the minds of the community by wearing it upon such occasions.

With reference to the Volunteer disputes in Auckland and Canterbury, Mr Ballance states that he is determined to see that the Volunteer regulations are strictly carried out, no matter from what source objection may arise. If any private or Volunteer officer objects to serve under them they have only to send in their resignation, which .will be immediately accepted, as there are numbers of companies desirous of being enrolled whose services at present the Defence Department are obliged to refuse.