THE Wellingtion Independent. "Nothing extenuate: Nor set down aught in malice." SATURDAY MORNING, 18th JULY. THE HEW VOLUNTEER COMPANY.

Wellington Independent, Volume XVIII, Issue 1896, 18 July 1863, Page 3

THE Wellingtion Independent. "Nothing extenuate: Nor set down aught in malice." SATURDAY MORNING, 18th JULY. THE HEW VOLUNTEER COMPANY.

The meeting on Thursday night at the Commercial Hotel, of those favourable to the for matioD of a Volunteer Bifle Company in Wellingtons, was even more successful than the most sanguine bad anticipated. In the ordinary sense of the term, it was uot a public meeting, indeed the object of the promoters was merely to bare a quiet gathering of such of their fellow citizens as would aid in carrying out the preliminary measures necessary for the undertaking id question. That so many people attended, tbat so much unanimity of sentiment was evinced, and that nearly fifty men were enrolled for the proposed corps within a very few minutes, is specially satisfactory, as indicating that the volunteer spirit is not yet extincl in Wellington, and that when a pressing necessity arises as it has already arisen here, there is no lack of men able and willing to organise themselves for defence. In this movement, however, there is unhappily an evil reputation of the past which Has to be effaced. The history of the last Vol. unteer Corps in Wellington is to a great extent a dismal record of petty jealousies, coutemptible squabbles, and general disorganisation. We don't want to rake up old stories, and we only make this passing allusion, because the experience thus dearly bought, may teach a valuable lesson for future guidance. Two facts stand prominent as the causes of previous failure — the somewhat exclusive character of the late corps, and the dissensions attendant on the election of its officers. The movement appears to bave been too much a class one, it rested on too narrow a basis to meet with general public support, and the spirit of cliquery was lamentably predominant. This of course bad its legitimate effect on everything done, and in the election of officers, the same malign influence predominated. It is scarcely to be wondered at under these circumstances, that the movement was never a thoroughly popularone, that it dragged out a lingering existence, ineffective for any practical purpose, and that it died at length from sheer inanition. We believe tbat the present movement is of an altogether different kind. It does not depend for support on any particular class, but appeals to tie whole community. Its leaders are actuated simply by the desire to form a Volunteer Rifle Company of every class of the citizens from the highest to the lowest, who may be willing to join. This we think is the proper spirit in which to cuter on this under* taking. In a small community like euis no movementof the kiDd will ever answerits purpose unless it be one which appeals to the great body of the people, and is open to all. This done, and class distinctions abolished, umougst men who meet on common ground, for a common object, there is no reason wby the volunteer movement should not be as successful here as it has already been in other parts of the colony and province. The election of officers is a matter involving much need for caution and judgment. On tbeir character and ability very much depends. We of course coincide with the views expressed at the meeting that the members of the corps should nominate tbeir own officers, subject to the approval of the Governor, to whom the names require to be submitted. In doing this the greatest care should be taken in the selection. No personal feelings' of frendsbip, no other reasons in fact, than qualification for the office, should be allowed to weigb. Let the sole reason for choosing any man for a position of command in the corps, be bis fitness to perform its duties. It is only like human nature, that personal likes and dislikes will insensibly influence people's minds, but all men respect ability, and if tbat be made the indispensable quality, tbat is to ensure elecliou ; more will be found to agre« together on this point than any other. We are not yet aware what further steps the managing committee elected by the meeting have taken, but we are informed that tbe measures rendered necessary will be instantly adopted. These canuot be taken too soon, because a very urgent need at present exists, to organise a system of defence for Wellington. The very fact that the Government has catf&L

out the militia, and is about to organise a defence foice of mounted constables, for the Wairarapa and West Coast, shows that the gravity of the situation, and (he necessity of adopting precautionary measures have been duly recognised. It behoves the people to do something too, and to do it spontaneously. We would like to see the surging* up of the true volunteer spirit amongst the young men of Wellington, — the assertion that they are able and willing to defend themselves in case of need. It is a spirit like this which would make the Volunteer movement a great success, and we hope ere long that it will be developed here. Since the above was in type we have learned that the recently appointed committee met last night at 8 o'clock when a number of new names were received, making the aggregate strength of the proposed Company above 60. A deputation, consisting of Messrs Skeet, Standwell, Owen, and Bcilmes was appointed to wait on Major Dwyer, at 10 a.m. to-day, with the view of explaining what has been already done and to ascertain what further steps should be taken. A public meeting of members and others intending to enrol will be held iv the Athenaeum to-night at 8 o'clock.