DEFENCE MEETING

Otago Daily Times, Issue 63, 28 January 1862, Page 2

DEFENCE MEETING

One of the largest meetings ever held in this | town took place in the Court House yesterday , evening for the purpose of considering the means to place the Province in a position to resist any hostile attacks which might be made upon it. His Honor the Superintendent occupied the chair, and having apologised for being in some degree unprepared to address them, owing to the haste with which the meeting j had been got up, said that they were all aware of the necessity which existed for their protecting their hearths and homes from a foreign invader ; and he knew when he spoke to Englishmen of the necessity of self-dependanee aud organization, for this purpose he spoke a languageintelligible to them all. They would be wanting in respect to themselves and to the glorious country from whence they sprang if they did Dot rise and arm in defence of the liberties which they had derived from that country. The present aspect of affairs at home was most threatening. Look at Russia, owing to the liberation of the serfs there, the nobles were discontented, aud ere this there might, perhaps, be a complete breaking up of that empire. Austria was threatened on the one side by Hungary, and on the other by Venetia, while Italy was disturbed to its centre, and Poland had not forgotten liberty. It had been said that when Kosciusko fell, Freedom shrieked ; but if she shrieked, she had not died, and the Poles still felt that life without liberty was not worth possessing. Prussia was coquetting with Prance, a power which seemed determined at all hazards to make herself mistress of the seas, while the Duchy of Holstein was ready at any moment to join France also. America was divided by war, and the neutral conduct which England had preserved during the struggle had been misinterpreted. God forbid that we should say a single word to excite unkind feelings against a nation who were our own flesh and blood, and had descended with us from a common ancestry, and who had rebelled owing to their own love of liberty ; but measures must be taken to guard our own liberties from their encroachments. A serious war with America was imminent, and the reason of it was that an American vessel of war had boarded an English vessel, and taken away two men who were under the protection of the British flag. He trusted that the attitude of England would show them that sho was not to be trifled with, and that the insult would be apologised for, as if it were not there must be war. France was in a state of chronic antagonism to England, and always had been, and, however unjustly, he feared always would be. If England were to engage in a war, she might find that she not ouly had America to contend with, but also France ; for it had ever been the policy of that nation to estrange cur allies from us. She had done this with Russia, and with Austria, and Spain. When in the time of Napoleon there was a probability of au invasion of England, the Duke of Wellington had prayed that he might never be called on to take the coinmaudofan unorganised although military nation to oppose them against the serried ranks of trained soldiers, and, however willing we might bo to defend ourselves, he was sure that without discipline an American Privateer with 2 guns and 20 riflemen might take our town, and levy a heavy tax upon it. This was a most humiliating position to occupy, and he was ashamed to say that Otago was the only province in New Zealand which was without its "volunteers. Were we to continue in this humiliating position ? Our reply should be to organise a force for our own defence. He himself had seen the horrors of war, and had inarched for miles and miles over tho bones of his countrymen, and he could tell them that if a hostile body lauded ou tlieir shores, they would then regret not having volunteers. He*was not prepared to make a speech to them, but he was certa v that standing face to face with Englishmen, and telling them plainly what he thought, his words would go to their hearts, and would there find an echo. (Cheers.)

Mr. Walker, then came forward to propose the first resolution, and apologised for being unprepared to make a speech, but he said it was a con- [ solution to know that the subject was so manifest, and the feelings on it so powerful that there existed no necessity for making speeches. The spirit of self-reliance which bad always characterized Britons, and which had been the foundation of their national prosperity, the reliance on themselves as individuals which made them fit for anything, would teach them the necessity for self-defence. It was not improbable that war was already declared between England and America, aud although the Mother Country would command our sympathy in any war, it was only a war with a great maritime power that rendered it dangerous to us personally. England's immense colonial empire, offered an excellent mark to such a power to attack these dependencies, and in this way to injure the mother country. It was impossible for her to protect all her dependencies, and as this colony was now; well known as a gold producing country, it was especially exposed to foreign attacks, as it would also excite the cupidity of an enemy. We should therefore have to defend ourrselves. It would be remembered tbat in the time of Queen Elizabeth, Drake and tbe other glorious old fellows like him, had materially crippled the resources of Spain, by attacking her treasure ships, aud thus cutting off the supply of the means of war. Now the news of the declaration of war would soon reach California, and it was not unlikely that some vessel would at once be dispatched to intercept oue of the homeward bound ships, or, perhaps, to land and carry off a quantity of the treasure which was lying almost unprotected in Dunedin. We possessed the gold and we woidd have to protect it. War had not yet closed over the world, and we had not only to show our fitness for reclaiming the wilderness, but we had also to show that, we were able to protect the homes thus reclaimed. He hoped that the men of Duuedin would not be content with cheering the speeches, but would come forward and enroll themselves as Volunteers aud then give that prompt and willing obedience which was so necessary to make them an effective body of men. He then moved the following resolution, wliich was seconded by Mr. Cutten, and unanimously agreed to : —

That, viewing the unsettled state of affairs in America, and the rumoured probability of war between England and the Federal States, this meeting considers that the colonists should assist the Mother Country by adopting every means of defence at. their disposal, so that, in case hostilities break out, it will not be necessary to rely entirely upon Imperial assistance.

Mr, Cutten then moved the second resolution, which was as follows :—

That, viewing the large amount of treasure deposited at Dunedin, and that that place, from the fame of its gold discoveries, would be likely to attract au early visit from hostile privateers, this meeting considers that energetic measures should be at once taken to place the Port in a proper state of defence. He said that the chief end and object of the defence should be to prevent an enemy from landing, or, at any rate, to prevent him doing so except in boats, and to do this they must rely to a great degree upon tbe General Government; but he hoped that when the means of defence were provided, tbe men of .Dunedin would be willing to work them. He had no desire to excite any enthusiasm or to make an eloquent speech, as however enthusiastic they might be in the evening, he was afraid that few would go home and get up at six o'clock in the morning to drill, so be wished them to view the subject practically. Of course, if a large armed force was specially fitted out against us we could not be able to" resist it ; but, in that case, the Home Government would receive information of it, and

would send a force to protect us, but what was more wanted was to put the place in such a state of defence that it would not full an easy prey to the crew of a privateer. At the conclusion of the Russian war, Great Britain had wished to "do away with all privateering, but America would not agree to it, and she was no doubt willing to grant letters of marque to any one who would take her side, and if a war occurred, it was certain that some of these would seek these waters. Looking back to history they would see, that when the colonies were unable to protect themselves, they had been taken and retaken by friends and foes, to the gieat glory no doubt of these parties, but to the great discomfort ofthe colonists The recent improvements in firearms had given a great advantage to those who stood on the defensive, if they possessed discipline -, but he would wish to impress it ou the meeting that without it volunteers, or anything else were useless. If men would not volunteer they would be compelled to go into the militia, and he hoped that this attempt would not, like the last, end iv failure. ! Dr. PuKinii briefly seconded the motion, which i was unanimously carried.

Mr. John Cargill said, that since his return to this colony, he had frequently intended to ask what had become of the volunteers —he had supposed that they had died of the yellow fever, and he was therefore surprised when a request signed by several of them was put into his hands, asking him to propose a resolution at this meeting, similar to the oue he would submit to tliem. It was the duty of every man to protect himself, and he would like to see every man compelleil to attain a certain profiriency in the use of arms and lie was sure that the Volunteers would do tar more than this. It was no wonder that the Volunteers had died away when they had nothing to do but go through the goose step, amidst the jeers of the boys on Bell Hill ; but there was now a large community here, and a splendid field apen to the recruiting sergeant. Another advantage was, tbat there was now a detachment of the 70th Regt. hero, and he was sure that both officers and men would do what they could to give vitality to the movement. By having several companies, they could have Battalion drill, and they would thus learn the science, and enjoy the noble art of war, in a way that they could not if they had only one company. At home it was very difiieult to get good rifle ranges, but here they had any quantity of ground for practice, and they might yet have a second Wimbledom. At Home the volunteer corps was the ground on which all classes met, and as it was said that there was a want of social intercourse here, the Volunteers would furnish it, and it would also do away with the complaint of want of amusement. He hoped chat some day the Dunedin Volunteers would go up to Waitaki to have a field-day with their Canterbury neighbours. He then moved the following resolution :—

That the volunteer force be reorganised and increased, and that every means be taken to place it in an efficient condition, and with this view the Superintendent be requested to give effect to the foregoing resolutions by getting additional companies enrolled and procuring arms and finding a proper armoury for the safe custody of tlie same.

Capt. M'Callum said that although he was not a resident in this Province he felt it a great honour to take part in the meeting. He most cordially concurred with the object, and he was sure that the gallant gentleman who had moved the resolution, and who had great experience on the subject, had not over-rated the importance of the movement. If there was only one company there would be a want of that emulation which gave so much encouragement to the volunteer, and which became the more intense the longer it lasted.

At home they were not allowed to shoot until they were well drilled, aud this was a very essential point. Another inducement to young men to volunteer was that no oue could hope to stand well in the eyes of his mistress unless he stood in uniform. This might induce a good many to join the ranks, but more would join to prevent their hearths and homes being sacked and plundered,

and their sweethearts kissed by a foreign invader. Krom Landsend to John O'Groat's house there was not in England a single town where there were so many young men who were not Volunteers as might be seen in the steeets of Dunedin, and he hoped that all of them would join the corps. There would have to be a depot for the arms found, and a person paid to take charge of them, and another very important point was that the uniform all over the province should be ihe same, so that if a member moved from one place to another he could join a different company lit once. He had seen 20,000 Volunteers reviewed, and he had been told by General Officers that they marched in line better than the line it-self. If they set about it in earnest then they could .soon be equal to any soldiers, aud far superior to any Yankee invader. He had much pleasure in .seconding the motion. The Chairman here read the following letter from the Rev. Mr. Stuart :— My Dear Sir,—l find that I cannot get up to your meeting. I wish you to know that my judgment is with you iv your effort to give us an efficient Volunteer Corps. I remain, &c., D. M. Sxuakt. Knox Manse, Monday. Mr. Grant made a long and rambling speech about the Russians, the Circassians, the Sclavoniaus, and the noble Magyars, and was proceeding greatly to the amusement of his audience, to dilate in the most impassioned manner upon the condition of Europe, when he was asked from the chair whether he had any resolution to propropose. He replied that he had, and read the following : — That this meeting taking into its earnest consideration the internal distraction pervading the Western Republic, and the defenceless position of Otago, agree to request the Superintendent, to urge upon his Excellency the absolute expediency of stationing a man-of-war in the Dunedin waters, for the protection of the city against internal aggression. The resolution was not seconded. Mr. Shields then rose to speak and was begining to comment upon the remarks of the last speaker, when the chairman enquired if he had a resolntion to propose. Mr. Shields, in reply, sajd that he had not, except that he was resolved to be the first to put down his name as a volunteer. Mr. Cutten thought it was necessary that something practical should be clone, and wonld therefore propose that those who intended to volunteer, should at once enrol their names and take the oath of allegiance (a voice—do it yourself—laughter,) Mr. Cutten continued ; he had already done it himself, in fact he had been the proposer of a similar resolution ou a former Decision, and had then put down his name. Mr. Icic desired to make a remark upon au expression of the last speaker. It was quite true that Mr. Cutten had put down his name, but he had not attended a single drill. It had been sought to throw discredit upon the Volunteer movement, and therefore, he (Mr. Ick) felt bound in vindication to say that some twenty or thirty volunteers had attended drill for about six months, although others had been content with making frothy speeches (cheers). Tlie Chairman reminded the speaker that this was a Volunteer Meeting, aud it should therefore be the object to avoid private quarrels among themselves, and to be united as against a common enemy (cheers), Mr. Hood, (who was received with a burst of laughter), said that if the meetiug began to discuss private affairs connected with the volunteer movement, he had a right to be beard, as being the greatest sufferer, for he had contracted to supply the corps with clothing, ! (renewed laughter). Mr. Hood concluded by expressing his determination to "go into it right and left." Mr. Cutten denied the imputation of having made " frothy speeches." He had done nothing of the kind, indeed he had been reproved (he believed, by the gentleman who now attacked lum) for not attending meetings, aud when he did a.tend, he merely proposed the enrolment of members. As for his not attending drill, he might mention that unfortunately there were too many for the adjutant to drill, and the first batch to be drilled were ballotted for ; and, as far as he knew, had been the volunteers ever since. It was not, however, worth whi'e for the meeting to occupy itself with discussing what this or that gentleman had done or not done, hut as the corps still had an adjutant, all that was needed was for those present who desired to join to put down their names and take the oaths.

Mr. Siiokt, with a view to give practical effect to the object of the meeting, thought it would be well to appoint a Committee, and should be glad to render auy assistance, having himself been a member of the Volunteer force in Victoria. He therefore moved—

That the following gentlemen be. a Committee for. the ptu-pose of carrying out 'the objects of this meeting, viz. : —Messrs. Dick, Purdie, Cargill, Harris, Strode, and the mover.

Seconded by Mr. W-UJt

Mr. Dtcic had an amendment to propose. He did not believe that the men whose names were on that list were tbe best men, although tlvey might be men who enjoyed public confidence and respect. He might, without fear of offence, speak thus plainly, because bis own name was the first mentioned. F"or himself be must acknowledge that, although he had before been nominated on the Committee and had enrolled his name, he had got no further. (Laughter.) He believed that the lead should be entrusted to those who had borne tho burden and heat of the day. It did not matter about tlieir being tip-top men. He then proposed as an amendment that the committee consist of Messrs. Short, Ick, Street, Cargill, M'Callum, and Junor. Mr. M'iiANiniESS was of opinion that they would get on better without a committee at all. Let them do as had been done in Victoria, put down their names and the men themselves elect their own officers. Government might appoint the commanding officer, in tiie same way as the Victorian Government had appointed Col. Pitt. There would be no difficulty in finding sergeants. Mr. M'Landress spoke at some length on the subject, and concluded by moving " the previous question, namely, th.it we now proceed to enrol ourselves and take the oath."

Mr. Cutten deprecated large committees. They never did anything at least in Otago. The Ciiaiuman said that the amendment of Mr. M'Landress would, if carried, supersede the two others. He then put tbe amendments and motion, seriatim, and declared Mr. M'Landress' to be carried.

Mr. Ick then proposed a vote of thanks to the Chairman, wliich was carried by acclamation. His Honor then vacated the chair, and the meeting broke up ; but before separating fortythree gentlemen entered their names as members of the Volunteer corps.