VOLUNTEERING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20880, 23 May 1931, Page 14

VOLUNTEERING.

Sir,—l feel that the criticism of "A Prominent Territorial Officer" cannot be passed by, as in the first place lie has no right to pass an opinion which is obviously a political one. Secondly, it is certainly not tendered to encourage voluntary enlistments, and, thirdly, is contrary to military regulations. Wc are all aware of the financial depression which is overshadowing our Dominion and know that expenses must be kept down, but does this territorial officer forgets that New Zealand is the most isolated of our far-flung British Dominions and that tho motto of the Scouts. "Be prepared," is the surest form of defence. Which would be this gentleman's choice, volunteers or pressed men in an emergency ? Does his knowledge extend to the days when the voluntary system was in force ? Did he then see men in uniform lounging around street corners after parade ? Did he seo men with unbuttoned tunics, hats,,worn at all angles, slouching walks and a general air of being ashamed of the uniform they wore ? 1 say, no, and this denial will be echoed by hundreds of my time who were proud to be volunteers. Are our sons lacking in this spirit ? Docs not the same red blood flow in their veins ? Of course it does, and I am sure that with the return to the voluntary system we will have more efficiency, if not as much quantity. This officer mentions that employers might be against camps. In my day we went into camp on a Saturday afternoon. On Monday we paraded at 6.30 a.m., did our various fatigues, horses, guns, etc., went away to work, came back for tea and then had drill and lectures until 9.30 p.m., lights out at 10. This was the routine throughout the week and on tho Sunday church in the morning and "at home" in the afternoon. A happy, contented lot of men we were, proud of our unit and of the upi--form we wore. I know there arc hundreds of men in all stations of life who look back to the volunteer days as among the happiest they remember. 682, A Batt.