NAVAL VOLUNTEERS

Auckland Star, Volume II, Issue 403, 26 April 1871, Page 2

NAVAL VOLUNTEERS

As will be seen from another column, the election of Mr. Dargaville to the command of the Naval Volunteers has fallen through, in consequence of some informality respecting the official position of the chairman on the occasion. Mr. Dargaville, we understand, does not purpose standing again for election, an opinion which seems c i -"^d by that gentleman's acceptance of i!: 9 command of the Sappers and Miner . In the circumstances it is highly important that much care should be taken in the selection of an ofiicer to fill the place of the late Captain G-uilding. What may be customary, and "what may be expected, and other similar matters are all very well; but the main element in the decision should be what will moat conduce to the efficiency of the corp-. and to the promotion of those feelings on which the results of the Volunteer movement so greatly depend. We do trust the " Navals" will not hold themselves up to contempt by appointing anyone who will not commend their Company to the public. Mr. Pargaville, from his manners and social position, would have popularised the movement. As we suppose he has retired from the [candidature, we do not hesitate to return to our former recommendation of Mr. Copland. There is no one in the city that would more contribute to the popularity of the Naval Volunteers. His honhommie is just the quality to take with men who should at least have the general qualities of " Jack tars." They may be landlubbers, but the fitness of things will demand from them a certain amount of genial dare-devil, " shiver my timbers," ofF-handedness, and unless they are under the command of one partaking of the characteristic esprit dc corps of " Naval," they must inevitably do violence to historical traditions. We do not know if Mr. Copland is willing to accept the command, but if he is, there is not iv Auckland one whose characteristics better adapt him for the position.