THE VOLUNTEERS IN TROUBLE.

Lake Wakatip Mail, Volume I, Issue 46, 7 October 1863, Page 1 (Supplement)

THE VOLUNTEERS IN TROUBLE.

(From the Lyttleton Times, September 23.) The arrival of the Auckland on Sunday last with the English mail was distinguished by something more remarkable than getting our letters by the 20th of the month; she had on board 130 Volunteers on their way to join the Militia force in Auckland, under the command of Lieut. Mitchell. Soon alter the steamer arrived, many of the passengers left for shore, and the watermen returned for other fares, when the Volunteers requested the officer in charge to allow them to go on shore. The officer refused to grant them permission, when about thirteen took forcible possession of one of the watermen's boats, which was nearly swamped before reaching the shore. The men at once went in search of drink, but at first it appears they had considerable difficulty in obtaining what they wanted. Towards evening they paraded the streets, using violent language to many of the townspeople and threatening the police. The constables tried to persuade the men to go back to the steamer, and requested them not to insult the inhabitants, but they still persisted till a late hour in the evening, to the great annoyance of many who were going to the different places of worship. At this time several appeared to be considerably intoxicated. Monday morning brought matters to a climax, as the men soon got drink when the public-houses opened, and by nine o'clock several of them were drunk. From our police report, it will be seen to what extent they carried out their lawless proceedings, and the penalty they have to pay for their indiscretion, but it is our duty to bear testimony to the judicious manner in which the police did their best to prevent a breach of the peace; their con-

duct was deserving of all praise, and whe action was necessary, their fearless conduct wa admirable, and -with the ready and willing asuii tance of a great number of the inhabitant these ruffians were soon secured from doin further injury either to themselves or the pre perty of the inhabitants. During the affray Sergeant Sugrue, and Constables Ramsay an Miles got a severe handling. Amongst th townspeople and others who rendered importai service to the police we noticed Mr. U. Macphei son, Mr. Preece, Mr. WilJcox, Mr. Genet, and Mi R. Davis. At the close of the proceedings a the Police Court, the Resident Magistrate sai that it was at all times the duty of the peopl to come forward to assist the police withou waiting to be asked. These officers were al ways ready to defend the interests of the inhab: tants, and protect their property, therefore i was the duty of the people to assist them whe; attacked."