“VOLUNTEER SERVICE.” THE MAN AT THE HELM.

Marlborough Daily Times, Volume II, Issue 105, 23 March 1880, Page 3

“VOLUNTEER SERVICE.” THE MAN AT THE HELM.

To the Editor. S/r, —Oar “Brass Band ” has hitherto been a success, hut because its jubilant notes arc fresh in the memory of “ C.J.R. , ” still that is no reason why in sending forth a tromboniferous blast from his own tin trumpet that gentleman should sneer at our Rifle Volunteers, and attempt to throw mud on their 'well-earned laurels. I had thought and so did many others, that “C.J.R.’s’ trumpet had ceased to sound from want of wind, or some other permanent cause, and that the aged insti ament having become e ached from constant use, had been put aside for ever; however, this is not so, for in yesterday’s Express it bellows forth with all its accustomed loudness, coupled with such harmony as might be discoursed through a small tooth comb by the judicious use of brown paper. The Rifle Volunteers and their Band have earned a name for themselves, and can well be left to take care of themseves, notwithstanding C.J.R.’s naval e:p wiener of corvettes—even with printed figureheads—for there are sure men at the helm, but is this so with the Fire Brigade? “C.J.R.” himself tells us that things are not prospering with that body. Notwithstanding the braying of the trumpet the cause is not far to seek: the Brigade Corvette needs a good Captain —that is what is the matter. When the present Capt'.in of the Rifle Volunteers was chief officer of the Fire Brigade, personal popularity and energy made it a success. Now it isa laughing stock for the small boys, as well as the big ones, and for one reason only, viz., the incapacity of the man at the helm. Let the Brigade take advice from a Rifle Volunteer, and as “C.J.R.” puts it—“ knowledge of the best means for wholesale slaughter.” Fossilised remnants cannot steer the ship, and even if the tin trumpeter—our old friend Samuel, and the people’s own Georgy himself, have to become victims to mi 1- tary science, still slaughter them by the Turkish method of “ the Sack,” and get a good Captain. —I am, &c.. B.R.V.