OUR DEFENCES.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 10625, 21 March 1896, Page 3

OUR DEFENCES.

TO THE EDITOR. Sib,—" The Russian Volunteer Flaet : a Study for Englishmen." A recent article in " Chumbera's Journal," entitled as above, gives an intsresting account of this organisation. Their size, carrying capacity, and steaming power ars given. Although they cany no armament, this could doubtless be done smartly at either Ssbastopol or Vladivostok. Steamers that can esrry from 1500 to 2000 troops, with almost; an indefinite coal capacity, and steam an easy 14- or 15 knots with only two of their four boilers under pressure. This is a matter which should give cause for the greatest alarm to our defence authorities, in view of the cable news which states this fleet has been officered by naval officers and men. Admiral Bridge has repeatedly stated the fleet will do its best to protect tbe seas, but New Zealand must look after ita chores. Your Home correspondent has, time after time in your columns, drawn attention to the need for preparedness in the event of the outbreak oE a European war, into which England might ba drawn. We are simply liviug in a fool's paradise, so far as regards any attempt being made to protect our coast line and back up what the Australian Squadron could do (in the event of war) on the high seas. The question of our land defence is a serious one. Singing "Rule Britannia" is all very well, but; something more practical mnst be done, and promptly at that. Men and arms must ba found. Of the firsb there is no lack, but there must be drill and discipline. I wonld go the length of suggesting that all able-bodied men of the age of 20 to 45 as s. first instalment be called out, and drilled for one or two evenings a week. In this city alone there are scores upon scores of men who have spent part of their life in volunteering. The inclusion of such men would materially help the speedy formation of competent bodies of men, who would be able to give & good account of themselves ,in the event of their services being requited.' In any case the men would benefit by the drill which they underwent.

Some little time ago you made a good suggestion in your paper —that a night alarm should be tried. This would be oapital practice, and show how smoothly a body of men could be got together at any given point. The authorities seem to be doing nothing, and it is high time the citizens took the matter up, so that we may ba put in position to defend our homes if need be.—l am, &c., March 16. Ex-Volunteee.