VOLUNTEERS FOR THE CAPE.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), 9 March 1881, Page 4

VOLUNTEERS FOR THE CAPE.

There is a number of gallant fellows in the Empire City who are almost bursting with martial ardour, and as there is no likelihood of a Maori war for some time to come, they hare volunteered their services for the Cape insurrection. These noble patriots are, according to the Post, " firstclass shots, and hardy fellows," and, no doubt, when they reach the Transvaal we shall hear of some daring exploits which will put even the famous Charge of the Light Brigade completely in the shade. It is proposed to raise about 250 men for the expedition, and it is supposed that within a fortnight of the offer being accepted by the Cape Government, the Wellington heroes would be ready to embark. How is it tr,j British Government did not, instead of bringing aliens from India for service against the Boers, make an appeal to the fierce warriors of Wellington, who, in the language of Paddy Murphy, are " gettin' bine-mouldy for want of a baitin'." It was very unkind of Messrs Gladstone and Co., and it is to be hoped they will know better next time. Bv-the-by, it would not be a bad idea to raise a supplementary contingent for Ireland. While organisation is going on, the brave men of Wellington may as well kill two birds with the one stone. Now that the Coercion Bill has become law the Government would be able to find them any quantity of active service in the Green Island. Would it ,not be a magnificent sight to see a Wellington Boycott Brigade laying siege to some poor farm-house in Connemara, while a number of ragged " gossoons" pelted them with rotten "praties " from behind a hedge. Start an Irish contingent, my brave fellows, while your hand is in. "Go where glory waits" you, my men, and, for heaven's sake, don't come back again.