A VOLUNTEER TROUBLE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2104, 1 February 1908, Page 2

A VOLUNTEER TROUBLE.

THE ADJUTANT EXPLAINS,

(Special to Times.)

WELLINGTON, Jan. 31

Regarding the trouble in the Heretaunga Mounted Rifles, and tho alleged defection of 27 members of the corps, tho “Dominion” states that a member of its staff yesterday interviewed Captain McDonald, assistant adjutant. The general statement, that twenty-seven members of the corps had tendered their resignations as a proof of their dissatisfaction, was. Captain McDonald stated, misleading. As a matter of fact,twelve and not twenty-seven had written, asking to be allowed to resign. Of these four gave no reason, three announced their intention of leaving the district, and five pleaded the pressure of private business and the want of time to attend the company’s parades. Not one, he said, had raised tho slightest objection to the action of the Department in the recent- dismissal. These men were still members of the corps, and would be, until certain formalities connected with conditions of discharge had been complied with. The applications were, in fact, irregular. Referring to the threatened break-up of the corps, Captain McDonald said that the officer commanding the corps, Captain Samuel, had reported to him, that as a result of the recent action taken, a- gentleman had offered his services, and also that of 34 men for enrolment as members. In addition two applications for enrolment were, it is understood, received on Wednesday evening, and others were expected. “It will thus be seen,” concluded Captain McDonald, “that tho company’s strength, instead of diminishing, will be considerably augmented.”