THE VOLUNTEERS.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXVI, Issue 3305, 18 September 1871, Page 3

THE VOLUNTEERS.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE INDEPENDENT.

Sir, — The remarks made yesterday in the Legislative Council by the Hon. Colonel Brett with regard to the volunteer force of this colony, were so Bweepingly condemnatory and disparaging that it ia only common justice, at least to that portion of it with which I havo tho honor to bo connected, that I should venture a few words in reply. Tho hon and gallant gentleman, after stating that since he had been in New Zealand ho had taken groat intorest in tho volunteers, that he had seen them at their company parades and encampment?, characterised their performances as " disgraceful and painful." Sir, I venture to think that tho hon gentleman has not seen anything of volunteering in Otago, as 1 feel persuaded that if we had, ho would not have ventured the expression ; I have quoted and, sir, I would fuin think that tho volunteers of other provinces cannot merit so severe reprehension. One thing I can safely assert, namely, that five years ago, when I held a command in Canterbury, tho force certainly was not in the deplorable condition dedepicted in the strong language of tho hon nnd gallant gentlemen ; but that, on tho contrary, tho battalion generally was fairly drilled, and imbued with a very healthy esprit de corps. For Otago, as an officer commanding a country corns a"d with some experience of tho city companies, I venture to assert that the force of that province does not deserve such a condemnation. Sir, although never having had tho honor to Berve in tho line, yet as a volunteer since 1859 in England and in tho colony, during which time for twelve months only was I not an active member of the force, as a private, a non-commissioned officer, or as an officer, I venture to think that I know something of the duties of a soldier ; and I confidently 6tate that in the volunteer* of New Zealand, at any rato in those of Otago, we have the nucleus of what may be made a really efficient force. I am aware that thoy are lar short of the standard which it is desirable to reach, but to reach that standard, or rather to bring the force up to it, the country must provide for a better system of drill instruction, must; adopt something like a compulsory militia system, co as to give the volunteer officers more control over thoir men, and must see to it that the force is better armed and equipped.

Not only might "2000 disciplined men march through the colony, and carry everything before them," but a much less proportionate number to the number of the population might march through England in the samo way, provided the invading force was armed with Sniders and the defending force with muzzle-loading Enfields, and a great many of those worn out, as is the case in New Zealand.

The fact is the whole question is deserving, in these times of wars and rumora of wars, of tho most serious attention ; and I trust that the result of the labors of the Commission appointed by Parliament will lead to something more practical to?/ards this end than tho mere production of a moro or less elaborate report.

As to the lion gentleman's penchant for old soldiers as officers, it is very natural on his part, but- I may safely say that his opinions as to their adaptability for managing . volunteers are not shared in by many who ore themselves old soldiers. Indeed, Sir, some of the most efficient corps, indeed moat of those which stand highest, I believe are commanded by men who have worked their wuy up from the ranks in the volunteer force, and in marked contrast to the deductions of the hon gentleman stands the fact that admittedly by the best force in the colony is that commanded by a citizen soldier, Lieut-Col. Cargill. Of 1,145 men under that officer's command 845 nearly fourfifths, last year qualified for capitation, and 733 went to ' ib^.targets, 209 winning their marksman's "badge,' and 300 ranking as Ist class. This does not present anything like the picture painted by the hon and gallant gentleman. Sir, I should myself be only too glad to see the condition of the force improved, and it might be ; but it is, I repeat, only an ucfc of justico on my pavt to show that the remarks of Colonel Brett as to its presont state, at anyrate so fur as Otago is concerned, are unnecessarily Bevere. — I have, &c, Wk. J. Stewabt, Sept. 15. Captain Oamaru Rifles.