Correspondence.

Lyttelton Times, Volume VI, Issue 393, 13 August 1856, Page 4

Correspondence.

To ike Editor of the " Lyttelton Times." Sir, —Some Cew weeks ago a letter of mine appeared in your columns, advocating the enrollment of a "Volunteer Guard.'.' I then promised to examine the detail's of the scheme in a future letter ; and that promise (with your permission) I will now tedeem. An extract from one of the northern papers, which I read some few days since, ha«* strength nsd my opinion, with reference to the expediency of such a incisure. The destructive fires which .have:-recently.occurred in the neighbouring settlements, and the great want they exppiieiiefd of an organized Fire, Brigade, should be a sufficient warning to ourselves, ""['hose who jive in (/lass houses should not throw stones;" so says the proverb ; and those who dwell in wooden houses should guard fiaainst fire, say I. But, granting the expediency, .where are the men ? According to tbe Census, the number of males between the ages of 15 and 50 are 436, within the limits** of the town of Lyttelton; and in the Country District, which includes the inhabitants of our comparatively thickly populated suburbs, we have 250 more ; which gives a total of 686 male* of an aire to be capable of beavino- arms. Deducting- one-third as unwilling or incompetent, we should have, in round numbers, 450 able bodied men and lads. Now, sir, I cannot help thinking that we mi'.ht, according to this calculation, raise a corps; at once popular and respectable, cheap and efficient in time of need. This li t'e troon might then be divided into ninecompanies of fifty each. Theofficers miglitbe elected by the members from among themselves ; and, once elected, they should have full powers secured by Act of Council, to ensure obedience to all lawful commands. All offences against the rules and good order of the Brigade to he tripd by Courts martial, and punishable by fines or confinement-in the Guard-house. Each Company to take th« Guam in order ofsuccesion for such a limited period as might he decided on by a committee .of the,. Officers and Noncommissioned Officers of the corps. Then, as to uniform ; why, blue scrsre frocks and leather belts are easily obtainable ; as also a small axe, or tomahawk," similar to those used by the Fire Brigades of London, Liverpool, and ot'if-r large towns. These and a Scotch' bonnet, or cloth cap. are all that we should require for the present. Then comes, " though last not least, "the question'of funds. These I think mi_ht be raised by voluntary'pontributions. Large sums have br-en raised in this'town for purposes of much ir-0-e questionable utility. Time and space prevpnt me from giving.more than the above hasty sketch of a plan I should, hi c to see matured, under the direction of wiser heads than that of "Onewno has Sekved."