VOLUNTEERING.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume L, Issue 61, 14 November 1907, Page 2

VOLUNTEERING.

Sonic comment lias bowl made upon tiie reported remarks of Major Malone in commending an ollieer for acting upon his own initiative in contravention of the operation orders issued by him. The remark, briefly reported in the '"Xows" of Tuesday, has since appeared in several papers, and if it misrepresented the actual position it was due to tile abbreviating tactic s of the reporter. Military regulations enjoin absolute obedience, but at the same time provide a penalty for any ollicer who could have achieved his superior offer's end by more simple or effective methods and who neglected to take the risk of his own initiative. The circumstances under which Major Malonc made the remark "were these. The Tit rana ki Guards and the Taranaki Rules were sent out fo take up positions along the front of the position, and the orders gii;cn necessitated the liifles crossing ground already taken up by the Guards- This might have caused some confusion. In addition, the country between the Guards' position and that to be held by the Rides was rough and wooded, and " s tlie start had been delayed it was doubtlul if the men could reach the spot in the allotted time. So Captain Bellringer varied the route, taking his men down the Swansea road, a metalled road, and a tramline which gave access almost to tile point he wished to reach. By this means he not only made a more rapid march, but husbanded the strength of his force, anil reached his post without .having traversed the forefront of liis position. Major Malonc, in the course of an interesting address to the men, touched on this, and was proceeding to commend the action, when he checked himself, rccugnising that he was on delicate ground. A "A'cws" reporter had a conversation with liim yesterday, and in answer to a question Major Maloue said lie was well pleased with the conduct of the men in the field, and with the keen interest taken in the manoeuvres. Particularly was this the case when he called up the reserves and made a determined counter-attack upon the already-repulsed attacking force. The mounted men were in some cases surrounded, and upon their refusing to surrender their arms, were brought to earth. All his, he said, was a littlq outside the order to "charge," hut it showed file men meant business. "Yes" he concluded, "we have some real good xtufi in the Tai'cinaki volunteer companics. I like them, and I like the way they go about tlieir work."