THE EASTER ENCAMPMENT.

Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 3817, 23 March 1881, Page 3

THE EASTER ENCAMPMENT.

(To the Editor of the Evening Star.) Sic, —In your morning contemporary I read a letter from a " Volunteer," which endeavoured to throw discouragement on the proposed expedition to Waikato at Eaater. I would fain express my belief that the volunteer in question has gone but superficially into the subject on which he writes. What crowds of Thamesites periodically avail themselves of excursions to Auckland and elsewhere to attend regattas, races, or other events ; why does not "Volunteer" urge " business people to set their faces " against such expenditure of Thames money. Supposing that anyone goes to Auckland at a race meeting, it costs him at the least £2. At this rate 500 persons take away with them a thousand pounds in hard cash. Now this expedition to Waikato will cost volunteers at the outside five shillings per man, owing to the aid given by Government and the Waikato settlers; as for the waste of time incurred, the trip will afford a healthful period of relaxation to the hundreds of miners who are kept constantly delving for the precious metal in the foul underground wordings of the Thames mines. Added to this, a practical insight into- military matters can only be acquired by such meetings as at Waikato, where cavalry, artillery, and infantry will each bear a share in a field day, and acquire experience of fiamp life. If " Volunteer " cannot afford time, let him stay at home, and let more enthusiastic volunteers proceed to the front. Mere holiosy show parades, when we get into harness for an hour for the admiration of the fair sex, are of little avail. Under such experienced men as Colonel Lyon, something must be learnt of soldiering.— I am «fee, VOITOTTEEB No. 2.

(To the Editor of the Evening Star.) Slß,—-Will you kindly allow me through your valuable columns to give a word of. advice to our Thames Volunteers re the proposed Waikato Review. In the first place, I hope none will go, notwithstanding that Captains Watson and Comer expect 150 men of the Battalion to accompany them. Is it not a fact that the business people are, and have been continually, contributing with prizes, &c, towards encouraging our local volunteers at the rile range, and now that the capitation is taken away greater demands will be necessary from the public, if. our district is to maintain its volunteer celebrity. In return for all these favors, and the prospect of still duller times, it is shameful to encourage any movement to draw away both men and money from their homes and families, and also do a permanent injury to the local tradespeople, who in many cases should get the cash that will be otherwise spent. What benefit,did our would-be leading corps receive by going to Auckland on last 9th November? Nothing but jealousy and discontent prevailed. Contrast them with the Engineers, Rangers, and Native Company, who enjoyed themselves at home to their and the public satisfaction. I trust the good sense of every member of these companies will do the same at Easter, and that -the others will take my advice and go and do likewise, and show their sense of economy by remaining at home. —I am, &c, Pbo Nxjno.