VICTORIA.

Marlborough Press, Volume I, Issue 32, 11 August 1860, Page 3

VICTORIA.

We have been informed that the whole of the soldiers of the 40th Regiment now in garrison, except the invalids, will leave for Taranaki today. A portion will he conveyed by the City of'Hobart, which has been chartered for the purpose, while the remainder, together with Major-General Pratt and his staff, will embark on board the Victoria, which is expected to come alongside the railway pier at twelve o’clock. We understand that Captain Pasley has volunteered to accompany the expedition, and that he will receive a staff appointment. May victory light upon the banners of the gallant fellows who are going to leave ns ; and may they all speedliv return to our shores ! —Melbourne Herald , July 18. Major-General Pratt, C. 8., inspected two strong companies of 40th Regiment, numbering about 2JO men, yesterday, at the Prince’s Bridge Barracks, preparatory to their embarkation for the scat of war in New Zealand. After a minute survey of the arms, condition, and accoutrements of the troops, the Major-General briefly addressed the men. He said, “ Soldiers, I am not going to make you a speech. I have just received a despatch from Taranaki, containing the names of your comrades that fell there. We are going to avenge them ; and I shall be with you!” All the out parties of the regiment have been called in, and, with the exception of about 40 men, who are on the sick list, the whole will embark for New Zealand on board the City of liohart. The embarkation is to take place at noon this day, at the Sandridge Pier. The Major-General and staff will follow immediately in the Victoria, colonial war steamer. — Argue, July IS. The Melbourne Herald of the 12th says “ When the Executive Council are engaged, as doubtless they will he in a few hours hence', in deliberating on this most urgent business, we trust there will be no hesitancy in- taxing the personal resources of the colonist to the utmost. If, for instance, it should be deemed advisable to send every man of the Imperial forces'stationed here down to New Zealand forthwith, let the proposal be adopted by all means. Our volunteers will, we are assured, gladly undertake the honourable responsibility of guarding this part of her Majesty’s dominions, and doing full military duty until the occasion shall have passed away. If money contributions be required, the colonists will just as readily grant them. But there is one special proposal which we wish to make, and which we know would meet with instant public acceptance. It is this: —If it should he thought advisable to strengthen the British forces at the scene of war by voluntary levies, there are a thousand young nidi in Melbourne at this present moment who would rejoice to join in forming a volunteer brigade. The men will not be wanting. Nor will the means. The Imperial Government might well consent to defray the cost of equipment and maintenance for such a volunteer force, raised on the spot for actual service. But even if the Wav Office should demur to this arrangement, the colonists of Victoria will themselves undertake to meet the full charges. Our patriotism is worth that amount at least. We are still jealous of the honour of the British name, and of the integrity of her Majesty’s dominions. Let nothing be spared, then, by the Executive Council in this emergency. Any direct appeal to the public spirit of this people will be frankly and cordially met. This is the hour of action. Let not a moment he wasted. The issues arc of life and death, and the timehonoured national glory and renown arc placed in serious peril.” A general parade of the Volunteer Rifle Companies of Melbourne and the suburbs took place on Saturday afternoon, on the reserve facing the Prince’s Bridge Barracks. Having gone through various manoevres, the Rifles were addressed by Colonel Pitt, and informed of the garrison duties now thrown upon them by the departure of the remainder of the 40th Regiment for Now Zealand. A hint was also given that there was a possibility for more active service being in store for them ; and were such necessitated, the colonel said he felt confident that they would respond cheerfully to the call. We may also state, that we believe it is the intention of the Government to pay the volunteers who are now called upon to do duty the serjeants receiving a remuneration of Bs. aday, and the privates 6s, — Argue, July 16.