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VOLUNTEERS TO THE FRONT.

A special general meeting was held in the Orderly Room, White's Hotel, last night. Capfc. Moorhouse presided, and there was a large attendance of members. The chairman in explaining the business to be brought forward, said the principal item was a circular which he had received from the officer commanding the district requesting to know whether any members of the corps would volunteer to go to the front. Being strictly a military communication, it contained no comment upon the nature of the service required, and all they knew was that the authorities had found it necessary or desirable to invite their assistance in the military operations of the North Island. It was not for them to make any political remarks, as they were soldiers, but at the same time, if they had no desire to serve, they were at perfect liberty to decline doing so. If they would like his opinion upon the matter, he would say that if it was on ordinary duty, they ought to volunteer en masse, but considering the circumstances bearing upon the present question they were undoubtedly entitled to exercise their discretion iv deciding. It would be obvious to all that they had volunteered to protect their own particular district (hear, hear), or this island from foreign aggression, and, if required, to assist the authorities in maintaining peace and good order. Impliedly there was an undertaking to proceed to the assistance of the authorities in any part of the colony, but the circular did not call upon them to fulfil this, and was only an invitation to such individuals as desired to serve. For his part if he were sure matters were iv such a position as to really require them in another part of the colony, he would be one of the first to go, and he had no doubt but the whole corps would volunteer as one man. (Applause.) He was bound to say, however, that he did not consider such to be the case. ( i lear, hear.) There were plenty of gentlemen in the North Island who had no more business engagements, no more ties of family, or other responsibilities, than themselves, and under these circumstances they could not expect volunteers from elsewhere. He would leave members of the corps to follow their own course, but he believed that none of them would shrink from fulfilling their duty when really required, and the public would think the same. Ho of course regretted the position of affairs in the North Island, but did not consider they were called upon to do more. (Applause.) On receipt of the circular he had telegraphed for advice to Major WUson, but by some accident had not received a reply ; he expected it would arrive presently. The members were at liberty to express their opinions, and then those desiring to volunteer could sign their names. A desultory conversation ensued, from which the members appeared to hold the same views as the chairman, who was ultimately requested to answer the circular as he considered most advisable. All expressed their willingness to go to the front, if their services were in actual requirement, but otherwise they did not feel justified in neglecting their business. One member ultimately came forward and volunteered. The chairman said he had next to request the meeting to appoint three representatives for the Volunteer General Committee. Cornet Slee, Corporal Manning, and Trooper Judge, were proposed aud unanimously elected. The chairman then announced that Bandmaster Northcoto was about to leave the province, and intended to give a concert before doing so. He regretted very much that they were to lose so efficient au instructor, aud he hoped the members of the corp* would show their appreciation of Mr Northcote'.s valuable service-*, by attending his concert iv large numbers. (he meeting then adjourned.

Permanent link to this item

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/TS18680923.2.6

Bibliographic details

Star (Christchurch), Issue 113, 23 September 1868, Page 2

Word Count
639

VOLUNTEERS TO THE FRONT. Star (Christchurch), Issue 113, 23 September 1868, Page 2

VOLUNTEERS TO THE FRONT. Star (Christchurch), Issue 113, 23 September 1868, Page 2

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