THE PROPOSED ARTILLERY CORPS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXII, Issue 7302, 14 April 1885, Page 3

THE PROPOSED ARTILLERY CORPS.

TO THE EDITOK. Bib,—Will you allow me, through the medium of your columns, to endeavour to correct an impression which seems to have got abroad respecting the formation of a proposed new garrison artillery corps, mention of which was made by you in a irecent issue. The undertaking of raising the corps was intended by the promoters to be quite a private affair, until such time, at any rate, ee ate services should be accepted ; and in order to expedite matters a circular, very hurriedly ' drawn up, was issued to their friends only, inviting them to enrol their names. (N Ji. The time between drafting of circular and ' forwarding the list of members to Wellington having occupied about forty-eight hours.) As the regulations limit the full strength of volunteer corps to 63 members (though no ' difficulty would be found in doubling this), it was considered that the number could readily be made up amongst the personal friends of the promoters alone, and the invitations to enrol were therefore not made general. The meaning of this, we regret to find, has been misconstrued by many to; whom, the circular was shown, and I would 'therefore explain, that while it was desired - to make up a corps consisting of member* personally acquainted with one another, there was no wish to be otherwise exclusive; and, so far as existing corps are concerned, we trust that when occasion demands, to show that we shall be found ready to work with any other volunteers. With regard to a statement that the officer in sommand of the district would use his influence to obtain, if possible, for the corps, when formed, the proposed battery at Point Resolution, I would explain that, in private conversation with that gentleman, I expressed the hojpa that he would do what he conld for as in, this matter, since it was intended to recruit most of the members from residents in and * about Parnell. We wish this to be understood, lest the impression be formed that any undue'favouritism would be shown. I should add that the above explanation was penned a day or two prior to the remarks which your evening contemporary has thought it worth while to bestow onus; but it was intended to have let the subject rest until a reply had been received from Wellington. Apologising for trespassing thus on your valuable apnce, I am, &c, G. C. Gjlmoke, Acting Secretary.