OUR LOCAL DEFENDERS.

Manawatu Times, Volume IV, Issue 52, 30 June 1880, Page 3

OUR LOCAL DEFENDERS.

■':' TO THE , EDTCOE. Sir, — It is a subject for regret that our loc,al Volunteer Corps does not number on their parades^T-not, mind ypuj that -their attendance is -bys any means <les> than many other corps m proportion to their roll— but the Corps is a weak one,, and I am informed that, atthe present rate of attendance they cannot qualify for capitation this year, as thY regulation exacts that forty members' must be entitled, or none is paid. Itj therefore, becomes the duty of those who do attend, to exert themselves to increase the roll and the attendance, or they are giving th,eir attendance gratis. There is also, as 1 am informed, auother very, pressing, reason for their exertion-^e., the Corps is as yet on the wrong side of the ledger with the Government^ a? only half the cost of the material for uniforms has been deducted from lq.st year's capitation, thus conferring a privilege nqt ; usually extended to corps. J They are, therefore, posspsseii of sUfßcioht funds to meet all 'necessary expenses for the present year. then, the Corps, is healthy, a position which, many corps niight envy. The; non-attendance cannot, therefore, be caused by pecuniary difficulties. The question was very fully and freely discussed at a general meeting of the members after the parade on Monday last, and from, suggestions then thrown outfit wa&, unanimously agreed 'that r ey.fry member should exert himself, and secure one or more niembevs. The decision tp form a Drum and Fife Band is highly commendable, and w jll, I am sure, add much to. the prosperity of the Corpi. Mr.Batchelar (who is sergpint m the eompanj} with : his usually liberality, is., I hear, procuring a Silver Cup, to be competed for at the •Rifle Range. This w.Ulal go infuse new life into the movßra©nt, as, I "presume there will benionthly competitions for ie, and must be won a certain; number of timea before it becomes the absolute property of, any member. . .I> cannot ! close ,these remarks rrithout congratulating'those members who; regqlarly attend ,on their imarcness m. drill • To my mind they are eqnal to any m the Province ; and were they, say, double the number on parade, they would be a yery efficient Corp? indeed. The improvement made, of late is highly creditable to all concerned. This fact alone should rouse them up to increase their numbers. .They have already made a good beginning, .as two new members were elected; and took the usual oath at the meeting. I much regret that our foreign brothers, who for a time wore regular m. their attendance, and who : were such, an acquisition to- the Corps, have fallen -off very-anuch. . I hope they will take heart and throw m their lot with their brother settlers, and help to make the Palmers ton Rifles what it ea lily can! be,vizy, one of, the. most efficient Corps m the Coiony. I shall, Mr. Editor', with"' vour; permission, watch with interest the progress of the Corps, and take the ■ libertyj if occasion requires, of offering! Jan y suggestions ' which r think wiU help' them '< on. I ; hear the. Gorps is' about to organise a- ■ series of shilling entertainments for tli9 i benefit of the Band. This is.a.s it should be.. The.general ptabjic ..will,.! am sure, appreciate the idea, as they can contribute their mite, and :at the same time receive a quid pro quo. I look forward with pleasure" to hear the familiar mar- ;' tiaV strains of the Drum and Eife, and I know there are many m our midst m whom they will recall days and scenes which are at all times pleasant to remember. I sincerely hope. notbjing will transpire tp prevent the carrying out of wHat I am' sure* will'be hailed wjth" true deHght by every resident m; the Borough. With these few remai'ks I will cbncfyide by thanking ybiffpr afljOrdi ing them space m one or your (Valuable columns man early issue.— l am, ftp., A Weltd-wishbe of the Coe?s. 1 ■' Palmerston North, June 22; 188.0.