PUBLIC MEETING FOR THE FORMATION OF A VOLUNTEER CORPS.

Westport Times, Volume II, Issue 205, 27 March 1868, Page 2

PUBLIC MEETING FOR THE FORMATION OF A VOLUNTEER CORPS.

At eight o'clock last evening the Assembly-rooms were filled with people who had been called together to take part in the formation of a Volunteer Corps. Mr Commissioner Eynnersley took the chair, having been previously solicited to do so. He said—Gentlemen, the present meeting has been called to consider the desirability of forming a Volunteer Corps in Westport, and before I call on anyone to propose any resolutions I wish to make a few remarks relating to the object for which this meeting was called. I was astonished this morning on being told by a gentleman that he was surprised at my taking any part in the matter, as it was purely a party one. I enquired further, and heard that certain gentleman of the district had been holding meetings, forming themselves into committee, and holding processions ; and that the movement was got up in a counter- party spirit, I hopo this is not the case. In the old country certain of our fellow subjects imagine that they are not dealt with by government in a fair manner, but the grievances affecting any persons residing in England cannot possibly

have any influence with us here. We are living in a free country, where no distinction of party, race, or creed whatever are taken notice of as they are in the old country, and any attempt to engender party 'feeling should he discountenanced as much as possible. By a freo country I mean a country in which a man may think, act, or do as he pleases, so long as he respects the law ; and if people are not allowed to hold meetings and wear what colored i rihhons or clothes they think fit it ceasos to be a free country; and any attempt to stop this right of doing what one pleases, so long as it does not interfere with the laws of the country, should he discountenanced. I do not wish to be considered hy these remarks to palliate any actual breach of the law, and any attempt to upset ! the constitution of the country, whether ■ 100 or 1000 people take part in it, they must he brought to justice, and the Government are bound to quell the disaffection, and protect to the utmost, ■ thelaws and constitution of the country. Whatever country we come from we •ire now New Zealanders, and residents of a free country, and if the present attempt to form a Eifle Corps, has for its object the maintenance of law and order of a free constitution like ours, it should be supported; if however, it has been got up in any party spirit— I don't believe it, I think it ought to be discouraged. Looking at the movement without going into party views, it has many advantages. In a sanitary point of view particularly, it will be of essential service to form a volunteer corps, as the inhabitants of Westport are employed on indoor pursuits, and in the absence of any of the ordinary means of relaxation, such as cricket and other field sports, will prove of great benefit. Looking at the movement from a social point of view, it has many advantages, and the ladies have always been great supporters of Volunteer Corps, besides the movement wi enable people to become better acquainted with each other, and will be conducive of good fellowship. I hope no one will join as a matter of play, as no one should become a volunteer, unless he means to devote his time to studying his drill, and perfecting himself in the duties of his new occupation. With ithese remarks I call on Mr Munro to propose the first resolu tion. Mr Munro, said, gentlemen it is very gratifying to see such a good attendance, and is a good proof of the interest taken by the inhabitants of Westport in the proposed formation of a volunteer corps. Many people present I know have previously been members of volunteer corps, and they have a great desire to join afresh, and keep up the discipline they took so much pains to acquire. From the position of the West Coast we are peculiarly liable to any attack, and to be forewarned is forearmed,and the volunteer movement is got up principally to protect us from foreign invasiou, and not as a safeguard against civil war. I will only notice the enthusiasm shown by the Hokitika people who have already formed a second company, and propose the first resolution—" That in the opinion of this meeting it is desirable to form a volunteer rifle corps at Westport. Mr. J. Milne seconded the resolution, which was carried unanimously, Mr Pitt, in proposing the second resolution, said—l eo not think it necessary to make any remarks after the able manner the two previous speakers had handled the subject. Defence, not defiance, is the motto of the Volunteers, and I have great pleasure in proposiug the second resolution, viz., " That the offer of service be now laid on the table and signed by those desirous of enrolling in the Corps. Mr Curie seconded the resolution, which was carried unanimously. The Chairman next read the offer of service, which was as follows :—" We, the undersigned, being desirous of expressing our devoted loyalty to our Gracious Queen, beg to offer our services as Vylunteers, under the regulations and laws at present affecting that movement." The above was then laid on the table, when in a few minutes nearly 150 names were on the list of intending Volunteers. Mr Spencer moved the next re solu tion, viz.—" That a Committee be appointed, to consist of Messrs Munro, Pitt, Martin, D. Leslie,'Harrison, Eeid, Whitefoord, Downes, Eadcliffe, and the mover, to obtain further signatures and to transmit the offer of service to the proper authorities, and to make other such provisions for the furtherance of the object as they may think fit." Mr Munro proposed, and Mr Pitt seconded a vote of thanks to the chairman, which was most enthusiastically received.