New Zealanders Joining the Reyal Artillery. TO THE EDITOR.

Otago Witness, 5 December 1900, Page 54

New Zealanders Joining the Reyal Artillery. TO THE EDITOR.

Sir, — Would you kindly allow me space in your valuable paper as I wish \o make a few lemarks on a lettei we received in camp from New Zealand, condemning New Zealanders for joining the Eoyal Artillery. On our arrival at Beira, after going into camp, the authorities called for volunteers for the Royal Artillery, as they had Armstrong's latest guns, made 1900, and no men to man them. We understood from our officers that by joining the R.A. we were going straight to the front* which we did, and we did some excellent work. The news we received from New Zealand! stirred us all up. One letter we received syya they call us blacklegs, stopped the pay that was left behind, on which some have Inend3 depending for a livelihood, and we are to receive no benefits that were to be granted to the contingents. Ajfter living on half-rations — bully, beef and hard biscuits, no tents, out in all sorts of weather, fighting for our Queen, and country, we hardly think it fair to be blackmailed in our own native land, New Zealand. Besides, when volunteers were called! for at Beira, the officers went round encouiaging every man to put his name down, as they considered the artillery the most important. The conseqvtence was that out of a company of a. hundred, 80 put their names down for the artillery. The officers saw that they were taking all their best men, and their services would not be required to look after the few troopers left in the company; and they then, not-being qualified enough for a position in the artillery, and finding they were left in the lurch, went round the men and persuaded them to withdraw their names, and those with only the strings of their heart left did so. The consequence is they are doing guard's and duty afc Mafeking, while we, the Royal Artillery, are doing forced marches night and day, and fully expect to give De Wet a shake-up in a day or two. In coriclvision, we all feel very much upset. Thanking you for your valuable space,— I am. etc., A GUNNER IN THE ROYAL ARTILLERY. Fort Tuli, S.A., October 2, 1900.