COLONIAL TROOPS.

Hastings Standard, Issue 256, 25 February 1897, Page 2

COLONIAL TROOPS.

We are told by cable that Mr Sodd on is considering the expense of sending a hundred New Zealand soldiers to London to take part in the record reign celebrations. It has occurred to us that the expense would be the least difficult part of the matter; the real difficulty will be in finding a hundred men in the colony fit to be called soldiers. The Volunteer movement has been so hampered and discouraged in New Zealand that the military spirit is dead. Beyond a handful of enthusiasts, most of the Volunteers of to-day are merely prize-seeking riflemen. Drill and discipline and soldierly qualities are at a discount amongst the Volunteers, and we doubt if it exists to any great degree with the Permanent Artillery. However, the best will have to be made of the circumstances, and we hope that a small representative body of Volunteers will be sent to London. It is now that we extremely regret that there are 110 Maori Volunteers, for undoubtedly this colony could not do better than send Home a body of Maori Volunteers. I'nfortunately they do not exist. It has been a marvel to us that a naturally warlike race should be allowed to go to waste and decay. We venture to say that in this district- if properly handled, the Maoris could muster a very strong and able force of Volunteers. It is surprising that the Natives themselves do not take up with volunteering as a means of recreation and with a view of arresting that decadence of a noble race which is only too apparent. It is not too late for our Maori friends to move in the matter. The signs of a pending war of great magnitude can be clearly discerned, and wo may* sooner than we anticipate, be called upon to defend our country. We have no doubt when the hour arrives the Maoris will do excellent work, but a trained body would be more reliable and easily handled. A Ilawke's liay Maori regiment complete in every detail, instead of being the suggestion of the hour, should long ago have been an accomplished faet. Last year when there was a possibility of a war with the iioers some northern Natives offered to organise themselves for foreign service, but their offer was declined and rightly too, for untrained and hastily organised troops are more dangerous than useful. Opportunities will again occur such as happened last year ami we venture to think that a well drilled and efficient Maori regi merit if it offered to serve the Queen outside of the. colony the oiler would not be rejected.