A VOLUNTEER BAND.

Kumara Times, Issue 1093, 1 April 1880, Page 2

A VOLUNTEER BAND.

[tO THE EDITOR.] Siß'—What maintains the supremacy of our British Empire but the spirit of resistance and pride engrained in (is by our martial ancestors, and fostered by generations % of brave and adventurous men! Why;(therefore, should we not strive with patient endeavour to Emulate their example and maiutain jjjfe glorious inheritance handed down by onr noble siresi Our local Volunteera may be instanced as IF'case in point. We have some of the flower* of our youth among them—all houoivto them I say; let those, laugh who 'win. Perhaps in the dim and distant futnre, were I to turn prophet, I might example some of them stepping into the van with the old spirit shining, ip the visage and the emulative streams of the

-Rose, Shamrock, and Thistle blood United, struggling for ascendancy,,as at present. Therefore I think we of the present day should -give every assistance to the yonng men who, should 'cause arise, will have to form pur rock of defence. I have noticed the great want of interest taken by the community in this place; some will even .jeer and laugh at them ; but let them learn sense and restrain the flow of spirit which a naturally weak constitution has gifted thein with, as they can lay the flattering unction to their souls jtirat," when required, they will be. found 'wanting; and those whom they now •deride will be their" protectors. One great and most potent assistant towards the keeping up the martial spirifcfoindiug eclat to the movement would be the establishment of a band, as, although music has charms to soothe, •&c. y it also can arouse the most dormant "energy to action. The State School would form a good nucleus for a Drum =and Fife Band, and, were the request put to the public I think it would be responded to, for the purpose of acquiring instruments and uniform for the band. In case of deficiency of funds, a benefit, or something cf the kind, might be gob up to clear liabilities. Were such a step taken, it would be one in the right direction, arid assist without doubt towards maintaining our glorious supremacy by land and sea.—l am, yours, &c, . . . W. S. Haxxa. Kumara, March 31st, 1880.