VOLUNTEERING.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3655, 13 September 1880, Page 2

VOLUNTEERING.

(To the Editor of the Evehing Stab.)

Sib,-—No doubt differences of opinion may exist as to the advisability of going, toj Auckland — your correspondent " Crown " evidently favours not the idea. I hear, however, that the feeling of the rank and file on the matter is to be tested at the parades that will take place this week. The great inducement for us to go to Auckland, is the fact that there is every probability that a large number of volunteer troops will be massed on that occasion, and it is brigade drill; which we Thames men require to put the ■" polish complete" on our already couceded efficiency. Many volunteer districts, unlike the Thames, possess but few energetic officers and noncommissioned officers, and it is the executive officers particularly who would benefit by participation in a big field day. Many of oar officers favour the scheme, and I believe the officer commanding is willing to be guided by the wish of the majority. It is said that the trip to Auckland will prevent a return trip to the Waikato next Easter; double the number of infantry can be massed at Auckland, to what will be possible at Hamilton, which should be remembered in favour of the Auckland trip. No doubt "Crown " meant well, he is an expert exponent of his own views, an exceedingly pushing man ~ and stands high in the estimation of the Engineers. Volunteering is his hobby, the engrossing pleasure of his life, his relaxation from toil; never does he appear so happy or important as in regimentals, ready to obey all commands, the execution of which he evidently considers a thing too serious to be trifled with. I hope "Crown" will yet bend his energies in the direction of his Auckland trip, leaving the question of treatment from the Auckland public alone; we would go to drilled, not feted. Chevbon.