THE MILITIA.

Waikato Times, Volume I, Issue 4, 9 May 1872, Page 2

THE MILITIA.

(To the Editor of the Waikato Times.) Sjk,—A Harapipi correspondent of the N. Z. Herald of a recent date, signing himself "Agricola," writes a sensible letter on the Militia quarterly drill. I quite agree with Agricola when he says it is a farce, and, to my thinking, a very expensive farce to the country. It is not very amusing to the actors, either, and only laughable to perhaps a barelegged Maori, or an urchin or two, who may happen to witness the contortions of the unlucky men, who are expected to become good and efficient soldiers by means of sixteen hours drill yearly. " Agricola" appears to think, however, that great advantages are attached to the position 6f an officerin the Waikato Militia, and our Defence Minister evidently thinks that the honour and glory of the position are : quite sufficient, as he does not allow them thair day's pay. "Agricola," if he has to go twelve miles, receives what the Government is pleased to consider a days pay, whilst the officer, who has perhaps as far to go, or further, not only loses his day's work but : gets nothing for his expenses. I should like to be informed whether the Defence Minister, or any other member of the Government, ever gave a day's work to the country without being paid for it, or ever went a journey on public business .without receiving their expenses. I am, Sir, An Officer who did not get his Commission BECAUSE HE HAD PLENTY OF MONEY, AND IS NOT A J.P. May 4, 1872.