RECRUITS FOR THE MILITIA.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 849, 10 September 1864, Page 5

RECRUITS FOR THE MILITIA.

(To the Editor of the Daily^TiaiesJ Sir—l perceive that by my letter to you of Wednesday's date, in reference to the Militia about to be called into existence, I uncorked the vials of another volunteer s wrath and an officer's. He wants to know if knowledge of military drill was bom with me. I honestly confess that not bping particularly conscious at the date of my birth I da not know whether it was or not—certainly there is no tradition in my family to that effect. My own impression is that I acquired it during a period of four years while I was under the instruction of one of the best drills in the 40th Regt., and having po learnt sufficient to qualify myself f>r the post of a coveriue: sergeant (who is the officer's dry nur-'e). I decline to asain undergo the tiresome 'preliminary drill to which recruits are necessarily subjected. As for the "officer's" explanation of the*'' confusion," as he styles it, at the review of volunteers in May last, I can only say I am very glad to learn that it was owing to " the crowd"' that the officers of compauies didn't know how to march their men on to their " coverers" when the companies were being formed in column of divisions; and as to the raw recruits present on that occasion, tbey shouli have never been brought out from the drill i-lied, or else told, while loalins:, to keep their left hands on the nose band of their rifles, and then possibly they would not have tucked their rifles under their arms while they groped with both bauds in their pouches.for cartridges. However, it the officers didn't, take pains with them the old party with the carpet bagdid, and who, I suppose represented the commissariat. I apologise for trespassing thus far on your spa"c, Mr Editor. I intend to take no farther notice of the Militia question, havingthus brought it'under the attentiou of those who may be disposed to make special arrangements as to the drilled men who chance to be drawn into the Militia. I am, kc. As Oid Volunteer and a Full. Private.