VOULNTEER OFFICERS.

Wanganui Herald, Volume X, Issue 2700, 8 February 1876, Page 2

VOULNTEER OFFICERS.

TO THE EDITOR.

Sir, — Having (as a settler) a direct interest in the efficiency of our Volunteers, I bog to direct attention to the necessity of the majority of its chief officers being gentlemen qualified in all respects to organise and maintain proper discipline, both physically and morally, in their respective Companies. I have strong opinions on these points, and shudder at the consequence of having a dissipated or incapable Captain at the head of a Troop, or Company, composed chiefly of young men. Such an example is extremely dangerous, and the sooner such a defect is remedied, or the Troop broken up, the better will it be for the youths of a district. An important meeting of the Alexandra Cavalry Troop was called at the Ship Hotel on Saturday, at 7 o'clock p.m. A full meeting assembled —many of its members having, at some personal inconvenience, travelled many milbs to attend — but in- consequence of no Commissioned Officer being present, the meeting had to be adjourned ! Why was no Commissioned Officer in attendance 'I This state of things is not satisfactory, and a change is necessary, or the troop will break up. I am sure there are many members in the troop that have done much towards working it into a state from which they expected efficiency would emanate : now, to see the fruit of their exertions cast to the winds as it were by the act of one, who should have done all in his power to have upheld the discipline, dignity, and efficiency of the troop, is vexing ; especially when all are anxious to act so as to show the efficiency and general physique of" our local troops at the coming review, &c. We all have a direct interest in this matter, and it behoves one and all to see that gentlemen are- at the head of these volunteer forces. 1 trust that having called attention to this matter the defect will be remedied, either by the resignation of those who cannot command respect, or by their being displaced in some other way. I am, &c. ; A Settler. Feb. 7, 1876.