The Patea Mail. (Published Wednesdays and Saturdays) SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1878.

Patea Mail, Volume IV, Issue 376, 23 November 1878, Page 2

The Patea Mail. (Published Wednesdays and Saturdays) SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1878.

No Member of the New Zealand Legislature has spoken oftener, or more strongly against the Volunteers of the Colony, for several years past, than the Hon. Col. Brett. Yet he is a thorough believer in soldiers, whether in the form of Men-01-the-Liue or Volunteers. Soldiering appears to bo his hobby, and any, the remotest, allusion to military matters in the Council, has always stimulated him to bounce up from his seat, and deliver himself in his usually gushingly earnest style. Though close on three score years and ten, ho is ready to serve his country, and undergo privations as a volunteer, such as only the young are supposed to be able to bear. Colonel Brett believes in efficiency, lie objects to toy or holiday volunteers. He believes that efficiency can only be obtained by continuously steady drill, under good officers, and that uniformity can only be secured and the military spirit properly fostered by comparisons, and by the occasional massing together of Volunteer companies for review. Ho has gone the length of saying that New Zealand Volunteers were the laughing stock ami scandal of the Colony, and has condemned Government for that money voted for volunteering, was so much wasted—completely thrown away. ’Last .Bessiou he made a right about face, and instead of opposing aid to Volunteers, proposed—“ That the Government be pleased to grant a irec pass on the railways to the Volunteers in the South Island, to attend the general review of Volunteers at Dunedin, on the Prince of Wales’ Birthday” In speaking to the motion he stated that he considered that great advantage would result from a gathering of the kind. The Volunteers of Canterbury would profit by wiinessingthemauesnvres of the Volunteers of Dunedin, who, he ‘understood, had reached a very high state of discipline. They would take a ‘ wrinkle’ from the Scotch Brigades, and would return with so much emulation, that the next time, they met, there would probably be very little difference in the efficiency of the Volunteers of the two Provinces.” Being twitted with the violence of his language in the past, and the’ strong opposition he had previously shown to the Volunteer movement, the Colonel stated that he wne not ashamed of remarks made hy him on former occasions, for he know that they had had a good effect—“ The fact was there was now a different stamp of men in the force; who were better drilled, and in better order.” He said, “ There was now a soldier [Colonel Whitmorej at the head of the Dcfeime Department, and already great alterations had taken place, and (lie men felt that they were becoming real soldiers. They felt that they had a general officer at their head ; they knew that-they must do their duty, and they did it.” The Hon. Dr. Grace, on the same occasion, remarked, “ That recently, when in the South, ho saw six or eight hundred men in Dunedin march past, and a smarter body of soldiers he would not wish to look at.” Ho Considered it was the duty of the State to encourage a military spirit among the people. In his place in the. Council on the Ist of October, Colonel Whitmore spoke at length on military affairs, and explained changes which lie had made in the Volunteer and Militia services, the effect of which he said was, “ The Volunteers were becoming—at any rate in their way of looking at military matters—a much more military body than they were before.” The Thames Highland Volunteers—a very strong’ company—were as fine a company as he ever saw in his life, quite equal, if not superior, to any company which could be shown hy the Guards, beautifully dressed, perfectly appointed, and drilling as well as soldiers could drill. He concluded his remarks by expressing the opinion “ that in the event of any crisis, or danger arising, the Volunteers might ho absolutely relied upon for the defence of the Colony.” If further evidence were wanting of the high esteem in which the Volunteer movement is hold by the Defence Minister, it will bo found in the Report presented to Parliament, at the beginning of last month, a lengthy extract from which will be published in next Wednesday’s issue. In the report it was mentioned that Government intended to appoint an Inspector of Volunteers. In responding at a dinner lately given to him in Dunedin by the Volunteer Officers, Colonel Whitmore intimated that Colonel Gorton (well known as a thorough disciplinarian), had been appointed Inspector of Volunteers. Settlers on this coast, and in Taranaki, have seen so much veal service, that it is no wonder they fora time took but little active interest in soldiering. The Wairoa (Warcrley) Cavalry, and the Alfredton (Rangitikei) Cavalry, were both returned on the Ist August last, as below the minimum (50) required in any company,—tlie former numbering 48, and’’the latter 38. Taranaki has no Cavalry Voluuteeers, but has a strong company of Rifles. It is scarcely any reflection on the Wairoa Light Horse that they did not in August last, count the full number required, as the population is small and scattered. The corps is, however, composed of good men, amongst whom are many crack shots, and it is, we believe, thoroughly well officered. We make special reference to the Cavalry, because we consider it the best form of, volunteering for this coast, and it will be seen from the report presented to Parliament,, that Colonel ■■■ Whitmore gives- great praise

to tho Cavalry Volunteers, and places much reliance on them, lor.' the reason that they can he readily moved to 'considerable'distances without much expense or preparation, and may be relied upon to reinforce the Armed Constabulary and Local Militia at any point, should disturbances arise. In addition to placing gicat reliance on the Cavalry, Colonel Whitmore is disposed to give special aid and encouragement to Cavalry Volunteers in the North Island. A* revival of the Volunteering spirit is no doubt arising' on this coast, which will be further stimulated by the knowledge of Colonel Whitmore’s opinions and intentions. We are, therefore, the more pleased to learn from a reliable source, that the lately enrolled Hawera Light Horse arc not intended for mere show, but that they mean to make themselves tit for service, should emergency arise, and thus come up to the standard desired by Colonel Whitmore, at whose hands, under such circumstances, they might expect the fullest consideration. Wairoa and Wavcrlcy may pit themselves in friendly rivalry, and having worked themselves up to thorough efficiency, may then aspire to distinguish themselves further afield.