VOLUNTEER ! VOLUNTEER !

Otago Daily Times, Issue 456, 6 June 1863, Page 5

VOLUNTEER ! VOLUNTEER !

(To tlie Eililor of the Daily Times.)

Sir, —Judging from the frequency with which you, some short time back, drew public attention to the subject of Volunteevs and Volunteering, I presume you take considerable interest in those matters. I therefore wish to bring under your notice the present state of Volunteering in Duncdiu, in order that tha oiiuse may again huve youv able advocacy.

An excellent drill shei has been erected by Government. A drill sergeant, and everything necessary for giving thorough instruction in the use of arms and the art of self-defence, has been provided ; and jet. oily about fifty gentlemen have availed themselves of these privilege*. I am sure you will agree with me, that this is a shamefully small number. Considering, the population of our city, and more especially its large proportion of young, able-bodied men, there ought to be at least Hve or six hundred.

I daresay it would be difficult to find half a dozen sensible men if they have given the subject a thought —who will deny the expediency of having every colonist trained to the use of arms. VVhy then i 3 it, that so fe.y, voluntarily oiler the small portion of their time necessary for the attainment of so desirable an object? This is a question which I am at a loss to solve.

It appears to me, that the Government is as mucli bound to see that every able-bodied colonist receives the necessary training to enable him to aid in the defence of the country, when required to do so ; as it is to see, that every child receives a certain amount of education; and it is to lie hoped that measures will shortly be taken to secure so desirable an end. Ido not know whether (ha calling out the Militia will have the desired effect; if so, I hear they are to bo drawn shoi tly, an.ii I would have the young meu of Duuedin recollect that, not only is the Volunteer service the more honorable, but tliei"> are many privileges connected with it, whish do not belong to the Militia. Hoping you will give the Volunteer cause your host aid • through, the medium of your widely-read columns. I am, &c, A Volunteer. Dunedin, 4th June, 1803.