THE VOLUNTEER FORCE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2815, 26 February 1908, Page 69

THE VOLUNTEER FORCE.

UNREST IN OAMARU. (FSOM OUB 0-WN COSRESPONOENV.T

O AMARU. February iSf. The Oamaru Mail this evening deal* vigorously with the Otago Daily Times inquiries .into the statement that several ' Volunteer officers in this district are hand-^ ing in their resignations. The statement that the resignation of Captain Creagh.' was due to lack of time is described as a euphemism, for would not any officen with r any regard for the dignity of hisr position prefer to seA-er his connection withf Volunteering in a becoming manner? To write in bold terms that he was not satisfied with the methods .of administration would lay him open to -a charge of breach of discipline. "If there is any doubt as to the provocation afforded CaptainCreagh," the Mail proceeds, "it would be dissipated by the knowledge of numerous irritating contretemps with the authori* ties." One case in which Captain Creagbi "was ordered to produce a medical certificate substantiating his assurance Vhat h» ■was too ill to attend a parade is quoted, and also an even more galling affront which' recently caused the resignation of Major Mahan to be forwarded. The paper closes by stating that other company commanders have assured it that they axe sick of the ■management of the service and intend to resign as soon as they can find someone tof take aver their commands. The Mail ' might have added that if the authorities in) Dunedin are disposed to doubt the sincerity and extent of the unrest, a few days _ spent incognito in Oamaru would soon : satisfy such scepticism. Only their strong) • sense of loyalty to the cause of Volunteering and " appreciation of their responsibilities is keeping several officers in their," positions at the present time.

At the close of the weekly parade ofi the Waitaki Mounted Rifles this evening « requisition signed by over 40 members oB the corps was presented to Captain Creaghj asking him to consent to reconsider hist resignation. , The requisition . stated thatf mapy members of the corps had decided to* retire in the event of his leaving the corps, though- it was in a strong position! financially and numerically, but the captain's retirement meant disbandment. Captain Creagh said he could -not see his way, to acquiesce, and after some discussion thef resignations of over " 30 members of the squadron were placed in the hands of Captain Creagh.