The Mangonui Mounted Rifles.

Northland Age, Volume IV, Issue 47, 13 July 1908, Page 5

The Mangonui Mounted Rifles.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —Now that the Mangonui Volunteers are going into camp and are also visiting Auckland to see the American Fleet, there will be an opportunity for the youth of the County to learn something of this fine body of citizen soldiers. X would be glad, therefore, if you would allow me space to call the attention of all and sundry to the good work being done by these volunteers. Apart from the duty of every man to make himself acquainted with the difference between the butt and band of a rifle, the training and drill go far to give a smart appearance and carriage and to the younger men of the County this should prove effective with the fair sex. If there is any duty which is particularly the duty of the rising generation it is that of becoming acquainted with the necessities of mode™ warfare, for at any time the defence of New Zealand may devolve upon our slender volunteer force. With the numberless advantages now offered to volunteers and the honor which iB bestowed on any uniformed man, I wonder that there are not more of our younger settlers in the ranks of the local corps, and I would recommend to the officers that they take the opportunity offered and send out a few recruiting sergeants during the next week or so. There can be nothing better for the man, for the district and for the Dominion than a knowledge of drill, shooting and discipline, and I hope to hear that the Mangonui Mounteds receive great accession of strength at their camp and through their visit to Auokland. Might I suggest to the officers that a routo march through the oounty would greatly popularise volunteering ? —I am, etc., VOLUNTEER.