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Waikato Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2265, 15 January 1887, Page 2

At the recent inspection of the Te Awamutu Cavalry, the number on parade were only some thirty odd, all told. It is a matter for regret to see such a falling off, when we remember the fine appearance this troop presented some years ago on inspection parade. It seems, indeed, that volunteering in the Waikato is at a very low ebb, and we may not unreasonably ask why 1 Especially when we consider the number of young men (farmers' sons), who would make good troopers, being all good horsemen, with horses of their own. But the reason, after all, is obvious. When volunteering clashes with individual interests, of course the former has to succumb. We would draw attention to some of the remarks made by Quarter-Master Roche, when speaking to the General on parade last Saturday. His idea of having six months drill every six months, the inspection to take place the last day of each drill, is a very admirable one. There should be no intervening parade till the next six months drill conies on, so that the men could be free for that time to follow their several avocations. But of course, as Mr Roche remarked, they should be always ready and willing to obey the call of duty when necessity required it. It looks very much as if a great many of these inspection parades were held for no other purpose than to give staff officers something to do. This may be right and proper, but our sympathies are with the men who have to leave their farms or contracts to attend those parades, or else be fined, and lose their pittance of capitation. Is this volunteering business worth the candle? We say it is. Every nation, no matter how small, ought to cultivate the art of war to a certain extent at any rate. And what is Avorth doing at all is worth doing well. Although our volunteer force, comparatively speaking, is small, let it be efficient without trespassing too much on the men's time. Take the case of the corps in question. Let the men have six consecutive day's drill every six months', and pay them accordingly. Suppose they cost the country six pounds a year, we have a cheap defence force. General Whitmore said it would take an additional two thousand pounds to accede to Mr Roche's demands, as all other cavalry corps would want the same. But what is two thousand pounds if the case requires it 1 We cannot expect men to give their time and the time of their horses to the public for nothing, and put their hands into their pockets in the bargain. We sincerely hope some reform will be effected that will be satisfactory in its results.