THE VOLUNTEERS.

Evening Star, Issue 3509, 22 May 1874, Page 3

THE VOLUNTEERS.

On the 31st March, 1872, there were 433 Artillery and 207 Engineer Volunteers distributed between the live principal porta—a very decent number, if they were properly trained and equipped. But as a rule, the Artillery are armed with weapons which, in the case of an attack by a solitary cruiser, would be of as much use as a schoolboy’s catapult; and even in the use of these weapons, whether 12-penndcr Armstrong’s or 24-pounder howitzer’s, but little practice has been enforced. There is one exception to the nature •of the arms supplied. In Auckland two heavy guns are perched in majestic grandeur on the borth Head, but are hardly ever seen by either Artillery or Naval*, except from the deck of a steamer bound to the Thames. As for the Engineer corps, we do not know how far they have complied with the rules laid down for their guidance, but there is reason to believe that they are, after all, only rifle Volunteers dressed in red.

It can be fairly asked whether such corps answer the conditions requisite for anything approaching to external defence,' and the inevitable answer is in the negative. Wellington possesses what is believed to be the crack Artillery corps of the Colony ; but armed as it is, where would be its use on the appearance of a light hostile cruiser armed with one gun of heavy calibre? Any attempt to utilize the corps in defence would only tend to the heavier ruin of the town. Very similar objections present themselves in the case of Cavalry and Rifle Volunteers in the seaport town*. it may betaken for granted that the time has passed for any risk from hostile Natives to the large centres of population, and it may be assumed, ' therefore, that riflemenu in these towns are intended for external defence, to prevent landings, to support artillery, &c. But the organization, or rather want of it, which they possess would render them anything but a trusty staff to lean upon. Most of them can shoot pretty straight, though ia 1872 only twentytwo per cent, of all Volunteers passed class tiring; but, as a rule, systematic training with a view to ensure combination and cohesion has pot been carried op with success. The battalion system was started; in Auckland ap’d in Dunedin ; in the former town the Rifle Brigade— as it was called—has dwindled down to a skeleton ; in the latter, unless report speaks very falsely, there might as well have no battalion at all for the amount of drill done or learped. In thus speaking of the Volunteers we are actuated by no motives but those of duty, and it is with .regret that we are forced to avow a conviction that ia far as external defence is concerned, the present system-is perfectly useless. We believe, however, that something may be done to increase the efficiency of the Volunteers generally, and that the material at hand can be placed on a better footing ; but.thia will never happen so long as the present laxity exists. New regulations must he framed ; it may be necessary to alter the Acts ; but, whatever be the means, measures must be taken to ensure a higher standard, unless the Volunteers wish to drift gradually to dissolution. In fact, both Militia and Volunteers are in sope need of searching reform —‘'lpctqpepdenf