THE VOLUNTEERS.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume X, Issue 1069, 4 May 1882, Page 2

THE VOLUNTEERS.

We copy from the New Zealand Times a speech made by the Premier to the Wellington Volunteers on the occasion of prize presentation to that corps. It will be interesting to Volunteers throughout the country:— The Hon. F. Whitaker said he had no intention that morning of being present, and did not then think that he would have an opportunity of addressing the officers and Volunteers, but he was not sorry that the opportunity had been afforded to him upon sueh an interesting occasion. He was glad to be able to do so, because recent events had shown that the Volunteers were really a most important element in this country. It had been stated that Volunteers confined to particular localities were of little service, especially the Volunteers of the Middle Island, because Native disturbances could not take place in their own locality, and it was difficult to say howfar they could be useful in districts where the Natives were numerous, and where their services might be required. Recent events had clearly shown that Volunteer corps were not of that local character which prevented them being useful through every part of the country. No sooner was it known that they were required than from one end of the Island to the other the Volunteers offered to go where there was danger, and where their services were wanted. In a country like this it was quite impossible that we could be able to maintain what was called a standing army. Na doubt it would always bo necessary tto have the nucleus of a force, but we must in the main look to the Volunteers, and it was a most satisfactory conclusion to come to, that when the Volunteers were required their services would not be wanting. He was glad to see so much spirit among the Volunteers here. When they looked at the various trophies there must have been great skill developed by those who had taken prizes. The Volunteer Force no doubt required some reformation and some more encouragement, and he hoped an attempt at reorganisation would be made, and the needed encouragement given. If the Government did its duty to the Volunteers the Volunteers would do their duty to the Government. (Applause.)