THE GLOBE. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1879.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1764, 15 October 1879, Page 2

THE GLOBE. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1879.

The report on the Volunteer Force of New Zealand laid on the table of the House shows that, with regard to the movement generally, a very active spirit has of late been exhibited. As Colonel Whitmore remarks, “ Volunteering has very greatly increased during the past year, and the Volunteer spirit has spread widely throughout the colony.” Three very creditable Demonstrations have, at considerable expense to the Volunteers themselves, taken place at Dunedin, Auckland and Invercargill, and “ at each place it has been proved that a considerable body of trained men can be, at very short notice, brought together from dis-

tant districts.” Then there was the Yolunteer Rifle Association meeting at Nelson, which was a marked success, and the evidence of the existence of a strong military feeling was shewn by the offers of assistance —in the event of any outbreak on the West Coast—given by the Thames, Wellington, Christchurch, Timaru, Oamaru, Temuka, Picton, Cromwell, and Queenstown corps. Moreover, on the West Coast itself, when affairs began to look gloomy, in ten days no less than 1500 Volunteers were under arms and training. All this shows that our volunteer system is flourishing, and doing much good work. It is not a mere toy, but possesses qualities of a sterling and enduring quality, and it is a system deserving of all the support and encouragement that the Government can give it. The report makes several recommendations with a view of fostering the volunteer spirit, and of simplifying and improving the working of the system. It suggests that the English precedent be followed, and that the capitation grant be increased on certain conditions. It is also proposed that “in accordance with the arrangements now being made at Home, the co-operation of the Force be invited to render the clothing of the several corps moro uniform, and, if possible, to arrange that at Yolunteer demonstrations detachments of several corps may act in companies and battalions with a similar dress and appearance.” And it is stated that “as a stop in this direction the Volunteer Artillery is now formed into a regiment, with the same uniform and system throughout.” Taking the number of Volunteers on the books on the 30th of June last, including Cavalry, Artillery, Engineers, Rifles, and Naval Brigades, but exclusive of cadets, it appears that there were at that date 5041 in the North Island, and 2991 in the South Island, making a grand total of 8032. Taking the North Island, the largest contingent hails from the district called the Wanganui, Patea andjßangitikei district, where there were 1049. The Thames district figures next with 769, and the Auckland district third, with 675. In the South Island, the list is headed by Dunedin with 1075, followed by Canterbury with 475. Nelson shows third with 328 Volunteers. Of Cadets there are 669 in the North Island, and 1639 in the South Island. Although the number of Volunteers in the Canterbury district is certainly not in fair proportion to the population, yet we can at least take this much credit to ourselves —that the spirit shown by our Artillery in being the first of any South Island corps to offer their services to the Government during the late Native crisis, points to the fact that our “ noble defenders,” though not numerous, are animated by a strong desire to do their duty at any risk. The returns from which the report has been compiled were made up before the formation of the torpedo corps in Wellington, consequently that useful addition to the effective force is not mentioned. It is to bo trusted that, before next year’s report sees the light of day, not only Wellington but other ports in the colony will possess corps of this description. Their utility cannot be overrated, for on them we must depend, to a groat extent, for the defence of our harbors and shipping. Taking Colonel Whitmore’s report as a whole, it may be considered very satisfactory, and it would be well if the Christchurch Volunteers were to study the facts and opinions embodied therein. The Christchurch Volunteers appear on occasions to be somewhat apathetic. They fired up when there was a chance of active service in the front, but their action with regard to the proposed Volunteer demonstration here does not exhibit much energy, and it would do them no harm if they were to study a document which shows in such unmistakeable colors that the Volunteer movement is now a power in the State and that, if they do not wish to bo left behind the Volunteers in other parts of the colony, they must set their shoulders to the wheel.

A most time-honoured institution is in danger of going the way of all flesh, presumably from want of a little energy on the part of those whoso pleasure it should he to keep it on its legs. Wo allude to the Lyttelton Regatta. At a regatta committee meeting, held last Wednesday, the question of abandoning all further action in reference to the regatta was discussed, the feeling being that a sufficient interest was not taken in promoting it by the public. It was finally settled that at the next meeting—which will be held to-morrow—the question should be discussed, and the general idea was that, should the committee not feel themselves better justified than at present in publishing a preliminary programme, the motion of abandonment would be carried. We cannot but think that the committee are not well informed on the subject of public feeling in the matter. The Lyttelton Regatta has been one of the regular institutions of the province from the earliest antiquity—speaking colonially. It is looked forward to -with the liveliest interest by the public at large, and by boating men in particular. The cycle of the years amusements would not be properly rounded off unless the regatta took place. People would feel that the part of Hamlet had been omitted from the aquatic programme if this Nestor of meetings were omitted. It is to bo trusted that steps will be taken to prevent the regatta collapsing. We feel sure than if an energetic appeal is made to the public that it will respond with the liberality it always shows what an old favorite is in danger. The public will be certain to look forward to the result of to-morrow’s meeting with considerable interest, and it will bo much disappointed if the gloomy anticipations of the committee are fulfilled, and the regatta becomes a thing of the past.