TO THE EDITOR.

Rodney and Otamatea Times, Waitemata and Kaipara Gazette, Volume 1, Issue 37, 13 December 1901, Page 3

TO THE EDITOR.

Sir, I have known for many Tears that the youth of my native "county, Rodney, was inspired with high national ideals and have often laughed at cosmopolite new.-chums who believI ed New-Zealanders would never strike : a blow for their homes, much less the | empire. But the the passionate pat-! j riotism and virile manhood which has I signalised itself so often during thj South African Campaigns no longer needs vindication by mere words, Yet i lif I flid not know and appreciate the , j difficulties surrounding the Hqduey j i public men I (should be inclined to i blan^e them for not giving- (i lead t't j the fine body of horsemen in- the dis trict Avho might make a. capital local corps of mounted infft-nfay. I have therefore rather presumed upon my fpro pr residence and present monetary j interest in Rodney to undertake the necessary coiTosppiylen.ee tp establish >uch a co ps and have placed myself in coinmurficatinn with the Premier on the matter and forwarded lists to capable men in whom I hrrye ponfidenct in each centre to procure the necessary information. I have also determined to devote the bull? of my Xmas holidays to drijl and instruction which as a member of the Mangonui Mounted Rifles I am fairly qualified to give and hope to drib one night per week in AVftrkworth, Port Albert, and Tahekerop, an.d if desired at Tauhoa and Kaipara Ma.ts.-i 'Jhe exjiense to those joining will not j exceed in money 12s."Gd. per annum atd in time,. fifteen evenings " find twelve Saturday afternoons, witji a week in camp. In. return government capitation meets the whole, expense of the Corps excej.t qf cours,?, fche • niaiii■enancn of harseflesh. and gear. Roping that 4lie old County a^d my many friends will rise to the occasion, and suj port mv efforts. ■ . ' :

I am etc. J. H. Hudson Jr