New Zealand Native Volunteer Corps.

Thames Star, Volume XXX, Issue 9047, 20 April 1898, Page 2

New Zealand Native Volunteer Corps.

(To the Editor,)

Sir,—l am very glad to notice that it is proposed to form a Volunteer 1 corps of New Zealand born young, men at the Thames, There is every reason why it should be a great success, as 1 there are plenty of smart and intelligent young fellows here who would find there was more fun in a couple of hours' m litary drill in the week and some ride practice on their half- > holidays, than in leaning against a wall every evening. There used to be a thousand well-drilled men here, good-looking, smart fellows, of splendid physique, and to see them march through the town with three bands , was good for sore eyes, and they were i acknowledged to be the best: shots in ' the colony. Of course the success of . volunteering depends, firstly, on efficient officers; aud secondly, on the men who, for their own pleasure and the general efficiency, are willing to observe good discipline and cheerfully obey the orders given. None of the " What am I going to get out of it" . spitit, but rather, continual emulation 1 between the various corps as to which shall have the largest number on parade and carry off the honours for efficiency. I used to find it a good plan to take advantage of moonlight j evenings to have a march out, with various company formations en route, I other companies joining by invitation. I Much good comradeship resulted ' therefrom. At the Thames there is every facility for pleasant ■' military exercises. It only requires someone to make a commencement' Thus officers and men learn and become a credit to themselves and the town they live in. And I feel sure that Colonel Banks would send instructors and do all he possibly could to help the old chariot along, for he is every inch a soldier and a credit to his profession. I well ■ remember in the earl}' days of volunteering in England it .was considered disgraceful not to belong to the Rifle Brigade, and those who did not were 'branded as "no men." Now boys, roll up, let your motto be "Invicta" (unconquered) " trod save the Queen," —I am, &c, " D."