THE VOLUNTEER MOVEMENT.

Otago Witness, Issue 654, 11 June 1864, Page 2

THE VOLUNTEER MOVEMENT.

(From the " Daily Times," June 8.)

It is not a very pleasant reflection in these troublous times that the inhabitants of this port and city might awake some fine, rnorning, and find themselves and their goods and chattels at the mercy of an Alabama, or other similar craft belonging to the enemies of England. And yet that is precisely the position that Dunedin in common with most of the New Zealand ports, occupies. There is the possibility that the first intimation of England being at war, might be conveyed hither by an enemy's cruiser, and announced by a cannonade of the defenceless city. In case of an anticipated attack, our means of resistance are small indeed, whilst in case of a surprise, we should be positively helpless ; and before anything like a formidable resistance could be organised, the city could be destroyed— or only saved by an enormous ransom. That it is high time steps were taken for the defence of the port, must be the opinion of everyone who has thought about the matter; and the result of the discussion last night on the Report of the Select Committee on the Volunteer Force will doubtless receive general approbation. England has told her Colonies that for the future they must mainly rely upon themselves for their defence, and it is therefore of the utmost importance that this part of Her Majesty's dominions should follow the example that has been set in other Colonies. True, New Zealand has, with regard to the native war, raised a considerable standing force, and the greater proportion of the able-bodied male population of the North Island has been tolerably well trained to the use of arms. But in the Middle Island almost nothing has been done, and what little has been accomplished has been in the face of a good deal of public apathy and discouragement. It has been quite evident that the volunteer movement to become effective must receive the encouragement and assistance of the Civil authorities, and be regarded by the public generally, as an imperative necessity. We are glad, therefore, that the Council last night adopted the recommendation, of the Select Committee on the Volunteers, and evinced its appreciation of the importance of taking prompt steps for the defence of the port. The Committee recommends that the resolutions of the General Assembly should be carried out ; these being— first, that the provisions of the Militia Act should be strictly carried out in the Middle Island until the whole male population between the ages of 15 and 65, except those specially excused by law are sufficiently drilled to take part in the defence of the colony ; the second 'declared the expediency of constructing batteries, &c, at the chief ports of the colony. The Committee recommend that the selection of defensive posts and the plan of fortification should be carried out under the direction of officers of the Royal Engineers or Artillery, but the selection of field artillery, small arms, &c, to rest with the authorities having charge of the defence of the colony. In addition to the enforcing of the Militia Act, the committee recommend that all the boys attending the public schools of the Province should be instructed ia military drill, so that at a future time they would be easily trained in military movements. Further recommendations are made with reference to the drill shed, and the use of the country school houses for the purposes of drill ; the construction of rifle ranges; and the granting of prizes forshooting; and the Com-,, mittee conclude by iuviting the sympathy and co-operation of the influential classes either "by joining the movement or affording to others opportunities of doing so. After all, although the Government may provide every facility and offer every encouragement to the Volunteer movement, its success will mainly depend on the personal efforts of the community. Hitherto the movement has been, if not positively discouraged, at least regarded with a vast amount of apathy ; let us hope that now it will be taken up publicly with spirit and determination. Every person is interested in securing the defence of the lives and f property of the community ; and the instincts of self preservation, let alone the higher and more chivalric sentiments of patriotism, urge the necessity of selfdefence. We trust, therefore, that the action taken ia the Provincial Council will lead to the formation of an efficient local force, sufficient at least for any ordinary emergency.

When Mr Webster and Lord Ashburton had arranged the boundary line between the Estates and Canada, Irving writes to Mrs Grinnell : — " I like your idea of Lord Ashbuvton and Mr Web ster shaking hands as an ornament for the stern of the new ship to be called after the former ; perhaps the effect might be heightened if you could ,bring in the boundary line running across hia lordship's toes" — in which last, words is a reference to the fact that Lord Ashburton had suffered his toes to be trodden upon when he settled the boundary on a false map— so it js said •^produced by Webster.