THE DUNEDIN VOLUNTEERS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 280, 12 November 1862, Page 5

THE DUNEDIN VOLUNTEERS.

VOLUNTEERS.{To the Editor of the Daily Times.) Sir,--Being an old Volunteer in Victoria, and having recently arrived in Dunedin, I made enquiries relative to the Volunteer Force of the city, but much to my surprise heard that although two or three attempts have been made to organise one, snch attempts have failed, the causes I am told arising from non-attention on the part of those who enrolled their names, and the want of a proper system of management. The truth of either of these statements, Ido not know, not having taken the trouble to inquire on the subject; but certain it is, that although an advertisement signed by the captain and adjutaut appears m your paper, there is really no volunteer corp3 in an organised state. It appears to me, from whatj I know of several young gentlemen now here, and who have served with me in Victoria, that a really good corps could be formed, and several weii-dritled and efficient j'oung men will at once come forward, if such arrangemeiit; are made at the onset as will ensure the stability of the corps. If^l m iy be allowed, I would suggest that his Honor the Superintendent be requested to call a public meeting for the purpose of taking the subject into consideration, and enroling names of candidates for a covp*. At such meeting the title could be arranged, a committee formed, and power given to such committee to secure the services of some competent and experienced person in Volunteer masters fur the pnrpose of organizing and drilling the force. The City of Duneiin at present has amongst its residents as fine a body of young- men as any in the colonies. There is an abundance of ground for drill and general exercises, as well as one of the finest rifle ranges to be found anywhere in the colonies for practice, &c, and with these facilities it does seem a pity that it should be the only one without an efficient Volunteer force.

I need not point out the great advantages obtained f oai a thorough kuowledge of the use of the rifle, as wall as from the physical exercises so closely allied to all sorts of drill to all young men. With your permission, I will treat this subject more fully ia my next. I am Sir, yours, &c, "VIDETTE Dunedin, 6th Novembe**.