THE REVIVAL IN THE VOLUNTEER MOVEMENT.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XX, Issue XVI, 16 April 1898, Page 476

THE REVIVAL IN THE VOLUNTEER MOVEMENT.

The recent Easter season has proved beyond doubt that in all parts of the colony an increased interest is being taken in volunteering matters by the young men of the community and people generally. In no centre has this feeling been made more marked than in Auckland, where the Easter encampment this year was the largest that there has been for many years. The feature of the meeting which promised most was doubtless the sham-fight on Monday last, but, unfortunately, through it being impossible to say at what point the collision between the invading and the defending party would take place, a large number of the public never saw the main fighting. This disappointment, however, was in some degree compensated for by the review and march past which came off in the afternoon. Two ‘Graphic’ artists and a photographer were present throughout the day at the manoeuvres and obtained some good sketches and photographs, which are produced in this issue. The Premier sent the following telegram to Lieutenant - Colonel Banks, commanding the Easter manoeuvres of the Auckland Volunteers:—‘l am delighted to note the revival that has taken place in volunteering at Auckland, and it is very pleasing to the members of the Government to find so many men in camp, and working so satisfactorily. Nothing would please me better than to witness the manoeuvres, but I regret that this is impossible. Another pleasing matter is that I am informed on reliable authority, that the employers at Auckland are now promoting the volunteer movement by encouraging their employees to enrol, and by affording especial facilities for attendance at parade. Kindly convey to the officers and the men in camp my heartiest appreciation of their voluntary and patriotic services, and best wishes for the success of the meeting.—R. J. Seddon.’