THE HARINGTON SCANDAL.

Thames Guardian and Mining Record, Volume I, Issue 185, 13 May 1872, Page 3

THE HARINGTON SCANDAL.

To the Editor of the THAMES GUARDIAN'. Sir, —I have been somewhat amused to observe the various phases which the alleged improper conduct of Colonel Harington, as the officer intrusted with the superintendence of the colonial representative firing, has undergone. There can be no doubt but that it is of the highest importance that the officer, whoever he may be, appointed to perform this duty should be one in whom not only the Volunteer competitors themselves should have confidence, but the public of New Zealand generally ; in fact, he ought to he like Ctesar’s wife, above suspicion. The Colonial Government or the Defence Minister evidently think thus, when they appoint their chief Executive officer to fulfil that duty. It would appear from what has been written in the various papers of the colony that the Colonel has not succeeded in fulfilling the .last requirement, and that ho has in one way or the other laid himself open to suspicion of acting with a greater or less amount of partiality, and that this partiality iias been displayed in favour of (he competitors of the South Island as against the North Island generally, and towards certain individuals of Southern competitors, and notably towards Captain Wales, the winner of the Champion Belt. I do not mean to say that I am convinced that he has acted with partiality ; by no means. But the statements made, contradictory though they may be, justify me in thinking that there is some ground for suspicion, and, in my opinion, this alone should induce the Government or the Defence Office to alter their rule ns to the management of the representative firing, and to constitute as judges or referees some persons who are not brought so directly into contact with the Volunteer forces ill the course of their

ordinary official duties, as Colonel Harington. I believe that some arrangement of this kind would effect the object aimed at, and give perfect confidence to those intending to compete next year. There is another point in connection with this question, whbh I cannot help referring to. four contemporary the Herald , who has led the van of those who have tried to detract from the Colonel’s fair fame, showed the cloven hoof in its remarks relative to this subjt- t. Tie re has been undoubtedly a considerable amount of bias displayed by certain portions of 11 1 ■ Press, and 1 believe that the Herald's remark furnishes a clue. The feeling that there is ton much of the anny-olli -er idea in the various offiees and employments connected with the Volun'cer and Militia system is pretty prevalent, and possibly tiie Press in this respect simply r« fleets punlie opinion. I cannot help confessing that I am disposed to sympathise with this view, although I cannot concur in the manner in which the feeb'ng is being displayed in making a sort of scape-goat of what I believe to be a most honourable exception to tlie general indolence and priggishness which characterise too many ex-anny, militia, and volunteer officers, in the Colonial forces. I think there is a strong tendency to ultra red tapeism amongst all such officers, and on the most frivolous affairs of writing much letters there is no end. I could quote many examples of delay and circumlocution and neglect on the part of some of these worthies quite worthy of being recorded in the annals of tho War Office of the old regime. Ido not want men of this martinet red tape stamp, but men possessed of good common sense, capable of appreciating tho circumstances under which volunteers are situated, and how they may he made most efficient without being hampered by effete traditions and customs, practicable only under a totally different class of circumstances. There are, besides, too many of them ; hilt I believe this is a political question, and one which may afford scopefor some of the Opposition desirous of re form. The principal officers, being men of this stamp, ought to have large discretionary power, so that in the event of any emergency they would not be under the necessity of referring for instructions to somebody else, who would not be likely to ktrow so much, and would very probably make matters worse, through delay. It should never be lost sight of bv these men that the Volunteers are not mercenaries, that they are under no engagements to the Government, and that their desires, if reasonable and within possibility, ought to be granted, should they consider that such requests or desires are for the good of the country. I have heard complaints repeatedly of the difficulties which seem to be raised or put in the way of officers commanding corps in this district, obtaining satisfaction about some trifling, or it might be to them, important matters, by these petty magnates who seem to forget that their business is to lessen difficulties and not to enlarge them. lam not soiry that the Harington scandal has arisen, as it will, if I mistake not, lead to reformation, which is much needed in the executive department of the Militia and Volunteer office, Apologising for addressing you at so great a length, which I trust the importance of all questions affecting the volunteers will excuse. —I am, &c. Scrutator. Grahamstown, lltli May.