OUR DEFENDERS

Observer, Volume XXVIII, Issue 26, 14 March 1908, Page 14

OUR DEFENDERS

By Lke-Enfield.

GREAT stress is being laid upon the statement that Maj )r Wynyard's resignation fro n the staff of the first mounted regiment was occasioned by pressure of business. If this be so, how can we account for the many reasons that are being whispered to the contrary ? It is an open secret that much dissatisfaction exists in tho mounted ranks, and the fact has been emphasized more than once by the withdrawal of manifestly enthusiastic officers. It certainly appears that there is ground for the impression that Major Wynyard's decision to join the active unattuhed has been influenced by the prevailing feeling of dissatisfaction, and is intended as a protest against the trend of affairs with the mounted corps. Unfortunately, however necessary the protest may seem, the mounted force has lost a capable and enthusiastic officer who ranks high in the estimation of his brother officers and also of the rank and file. In addition to Major Wynyard, Sergt. Major Robertson and Q.M. Sergt. Atchison have also resigned their positions on the mounted staff. These withdrawals have left nearly all the regimental appointments vacant. Whatever may be the feeling of other companies towards the Easter encampment, the component squadrons of the second mounted regiment (Waikato) are looking forward to the manoeuvres with evident enthusiasm. It is expected that about a hundred and fifty members of the various squadrons will participate, which should be- sufficient for

capitation purposes'. The regiment hold their annual training camp early in June. Another 'course of the School of Instruction will be held in Auckland**, in August next, if that month is convenient to the local officers. Names of those desiring to attend the classes are now being received. Captain Smith, a Southern oiucer who has been located in Auckland for some time past, is a volunteer and is proud of it. Enthusiasm for "the grandest game on earth, sir," oozes from his fingsr tips. _ The _ genial officer has been throwing his energetic little figure into local military affairs lately, and after sixteen days' camp with one company, fourteen with another, and a term with a third, he is still deploring the fact that work should interfere in so unwarrantable a fashion with soldiering. However, perhaps some country or other will be kind to Capt. Smith before long, and make war against England. A new bayonet has been decided upon for the British army, to replace the twelve-inch knife that is now on issue. The new weapon has a length of twenty-one inches, with a strong blade sharpened on one edge and ribbed on the back. The bayonet is said to be somewhat similar to that used by tne Japs against the Russians. The fact that Trentham is anything but a shooters' paradise has once more been exemplified. The weather for the earlier days of the championship meeting has been decidedly unfavourable, and good shooting has nroved the exception. The final for the belt comnetition is timed to be fired t>n Wednesday afternoon, but at the moment I f writing it would be idle to speculate upon the probable result. Tt:^ teams' match, which will be fir : 'd earlier in the dav, is attracting considerable attention, though it looks

as if the event must go to the Opaki Club. It is to be hoped that the Auckland representatives will make a determined effort for supremacy. m- Captain Kay, major of the cadets, who has proved himself a determined champion of the boys' movement, has returned from Papakura more firmly convinced than ever that the young idea can "knock spots" out of the adult members of the defence force. The discipline at the cadets' camp was splendid, and the lads enthuse over their work in a way that is conspicuous only by its absence in the " grown ups." That the boys relish camp life is proved by the fact that, like Oliver, they are asking for more. Let us hope their enthusiasm will net all evaporate when they are oM enough to join a senior corps.