THE WAIRARAPA VOLUNTEERS.

Wairarapa Standard, Volume I, Issue 25, 24 June 1867, Page 2

THE WAIRARAPA VOLUNTEERS.

The Carterton Rifle Volunteers held a meeting yesterday afternoon for the re-election of officers to replace those whose resignations had been accepted, when the whole of the late officers were unanimously rc-elceted. In the evening, a similar meeting for the same purpose was held at the Grey town Schoolhouse, which was very numerously attended. Adjutant Clcland, who occupied the chair, explained the objects for which the meeting had been convened, and said that before proceeding to the business which called them together, ho should be happy to answer any questions, or to afford any information in his power that might be desired. Several questions were put with reference to the recent Volunteer Land Bill which were fully answered. The Chairman said that the Act was passed in 1865 and was not retrospective. When they became Volunteers there were no inducements in th e shape of grants of land held, out to them. The Provincial Council could not give the land until the Act of the General Assembly had been assented to by Her Majesty. All past services prior to the Ist January, 18GG, could not be reckoned, and not at that date unless the claimant was than an efficient Volunteer. His own opinion was that no Volunteer would be entitled to a remission certificate under the Act of the Provincial Council until after five years service from the Ist January, 1866. Mr Boys addressed the meeting at some length and complained that private letters addressed to an officer in the Defence Office, and written in reply to private letters received from him, had not only been shown to Major Smith, but even copies of them had been given to him. He hoped the men of Grcytown would show what stuff they were made of. They

bad given him his commission, and he now in one sense, returned it to them. He would never hold a commission under Major Smith, but he would serve in the ranks, and if danger threatened he would shoulder a rifle, or if not a rifle a pick-axe. But it is utterly impossible to give even a brief report of his speech in our present issue. On sitting down he was loudly cheered. After some discussion. Mr Campbell said that he would advise every member of the Foot Corps to send in their resignations, and moved that they do not proceed to the election of officers. This resolution was seconded bv Mr Roberts, which on being pnt to the meeting, was carried nem. con. A similar resolution was then proposed by Mr Darley with reference to the Cavalry Corps, which was also carried amidst thunders of applause. Mr Boys thanked the meeting from his heart for the coutse they had taken, and a vote of thanks to the Chairman, which was carried amidst thunders of applause terminated the proceedings. On leaving the room, Mr Boys was carried on the shoulders of the men ef his late company to the British Volunteer Hotel, amidst of the loud plaudits of all president. The late hour at which the meeting terminated prevents us from giving even a bare outline of the proceedings. At Featherston, on Saturday afternoon, the Volunteers assembled in Mr Spearing's barn, and after receiving their pay, proceeded by ballot, to elect a captain in the place of H. Bonny, E q., After considerable difficulty, in consequence of the new captain requiring the votes of two-thirds of the “ efficient ” Volunteers, and there being three candidates, it necessitated the ballot being taken five times, without any definite result, at this stage, Capt. Caikeek’s and Lieut, Jackson’s names were withdrawn, and Private Donald at the next ballot was declared duly elected amidst loud cheers.