THE VOLUNTEER REVIEW.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3397, 11 November 1879, Page 3

THE VOLUNTEER REVIEW.

(To the Editor of the Evening Star.)

Sib,—Yesterday's meeting of our Thames Volunteers in celebration of the Prince of Wale 3 birthday deserves something more than the passing glance of a newspaper paragraph. It points out what men with the true volunteer element, commanded by efficient officers, respected and looked up to by the men under their control, can be brought to under difficult circumstances —difficult so far as this goes, " that by the absence of a suitable parade ground the men cannot be efficiently drilled to act in concert." We are very much astonished at the apathy shown by the Government in this respect •—should a case oconr where the services of the volunteers are required in any part of JN"ew Zealand—it is evident in a measure they will look to the Thames for their principal sapport. It has been shown time after time the necessity for a parade ground in close proximity to tho town is required, as "it cannot be expected that men be they ever so zealous in the volunteer cause can be, after a hard day's work, likely to trudge miles to attend a parade." If the Government were at all earnest in fostering tha volunteer movement, they would endeavor to provide not only a suitable parade ground, but the necessary field equipment, so as to be prepared at a short notice for active service. There is no want of a suitable piece of ground, providing Government will make the necessary concession; not a better spot could be pitched on, than the paddock between Mackay and Baillie streets. Our member, Mr Sheehan, promised us this want, and our local magnates, now pressing their Borough or Couuty cause in Wellington, should also press the volunteer cause, and whoever does that will deserve the thanks of this community. Our volunteer element is an institution, and we have growing in our midst, the bone and sinew that will always keep the ranks filled, encouraged as it is by the inhabitants of the district. —"Sours, etc., Old Waikato Man.