MOUNTED VOLUNTEER RIFLES.

Marlborough Press, Volume I, Issue 44, 3 November 1860, Page 2

MOUNTED VOLUNTEER RIFLES.

A meeting was held at the Woolpack Inn, Renwicktown, last Wednesday, for the “formation and enrolment of a Company of Mounted Volunteer Rifles;” Captain Baillie in the chair. The attendance was only small, and several who were present had previously joined the corps formed at Blenheim. The Chairman having read the requisition to Ilis Honour the Superintendent, which contained upwards of 40 signatures, and the advertisement convening the meeting, he drew attention to the Regulations under which the services of Volunteers would be accepted by His Excellency the Governor, and read the same (which will be found in another part of this paper). Mr Tl.Lakeman then proposed the following resolution:— That this meeting deems it advisable to organise a Mounted Rifle Company, to drill in some central place convenient for the country settlers to attend, such place of meeting for drill to be decided by a majority of the volunteers after being sworn in. He would say a few words in support of the resolution. He thought it desirable to organise a supplemental eoiqjs to the one at Blenheim, as it would enable them to fix upon a more central place for drill, and if the members were mounted they would not only be more efficient in a district with so much open country, but they would be better able to travel the long distances to and from the stations or farms of many who would join. Perhaps he should explain that it was not contemplated to have the volunteers and horses drilled as cavalry, which required long training and a particular class of horses, and would be unavailable for rifle practice; but that the volunteers should ride to an appointed rendezvous, dismount, and every third man taking charge of three horses, the main body proceed to the scene of action. The inducements were great to enrol as volunteers, as by so doing they would be exempt from serving in the militia, where they would be under strict military control, and commanded by officers who were not selected by themselves, but accustomed to the passive obedience exacted in the regular army, even to ordering 500 of them, well armed and drilled, to retreat from 100 Maories, over an open plain, as had just occurred at Taranaki The necessity for the settlers to arm generally was real and urgent, inasmuch as the Home Government, in a recent des-

patch to the Governor intimated that it could not send any material augmentation to the forces now in New Zealand, and hinted pretty clearly that it expected them not only to defend themselves, but bear the expense too. Some whom he had spoken to on this subject had gone so far as to say the “best course was to let the Maories help themselves without resistance, and when they were satisfied they would let us alone.” This was startling advice certainly, but not having such confidence in the Maories’ forbearance and generosity, if permitted to have a general scramble for their goods and chattels, he, for one, was not inclined to surrender the result of thirteen years exertion to the tender mercies of their dingy neighbours so readily. He would mention a few more reasons that had been given to him against enrolling as volunteers:— First, “We have no right to rob the natives of their land, and must let them have it back again.” Now as it was notorious that the land the Maories made the subject of dispute to commence the present outbreak was paid for twice over —once to the conquerors of the original holders, and once to the original holders or their descendants—he should like to know how many times a Maori was to be paid for a thing before he gave up possession, seeing that a white man had to be content with one payment. Second, “ I never was and never will be a soldier, and I am afraid of the natives.” Perhaps this person would do well not to be a soldier, for much, certainly, could not be expected of one who would evidently prefer being knocked on the head quietly to offering any resistance. Third, “ I am a poor man, with a wife and family, and, therefore, ought not to be required to take part in this movement.” Some would consider this as an additional reason for being more active; but this individual adopted the novel argument that the more responsibility he incurred the less he should be required to fulfil. Fourth, “ I will have nothing to do with the matter; I have enough to do attending to my own business, without going soldiering.” This was all very well so long as the selfish person should be fortunate enough to be surrounded by those willing to protect him whilst he attended to his own business; but if this should happen not to be the case, he would run a chance of having “ his own business” suddenly interrupted by his being knocked on the head. Fifth, “I quite agree in the necessity for this movement; but I do not wish to take any part in it myself.” No doubt, this man would be quite content to profit by the danger and privations of others, but be mean enough to abstain from rendering any assistance himself. All these excuses were unworthy of Englishmen; and as he was proud of that name, he was unwilling to forfeit his claim to it by endeavouring to avoid taking his fair share of risk and privation in these troublesome times; and especially for reasons that our forefathers (before “ peace at any price ” became the fashion) would have considered as utterly unworthy of those who once so powerfully influenced the world. Mr. John Gibson seconded the resolution, which was agreed to. Fifteen members were then sworn in. The Chairman thought it would be advisable for the corps to number at least forty-five before the officers were chosen. Mr. Gibson said the men ought to be drilled before the sergeants and corporals were chosen, and then the company would be able to select the best; though a lieutenant for the district might be chosen previously. He should also think it advisable for them to exercise with the Blenheim corps occasionally, at such times as would be convenient. Mr. A. 11. Lakeman was appointed Secretary and Treasurer, pro tern. It was then agreed that no other business should be proceeded with until more members had joined. It was said that a considerable number from the country would join now that the corps was formed. The meeting was then adjourned until the 22nd instant; and a vote of thanks given to the Chairman.