INFANTRY CORPS FOR HAMIL.TON.

Waikato Times, Volume XIII, Issue 1064, 19 April 1879, Page 3

INFANTRY CORPS FOR HAMIL.TON.

Sib,—^l heartily agree with your correspondent, A. F., that the people of Hamilton should take the initiative, m the formation of an Infantry Corps. We have dozens of young and middle-aged men, who would be willing to join, providing the Government gave any encouragement m the way of a capitation fee, sufficient to cover the expense of uniform, &c, and surely it would be short-sighted policy on their part, not to ' do so, living as we do on the borders of the King country. It would give a tone of greater confidence to the settlers around us, to have a body of > well disciplined men amongst them, ready to turn out at a short notice, m case of an emergency arising, for we know not, m these times, what a day may bring forth. Witness the late affair at Waimate Plains, I would advocate that, not m this borough only, but m all the towns m Waikato, the Government should, as much as possible, foster the spirit of volunteering, which, m a demilitarised country like this, is so necessary for the purposes of self-defence. By having company's formed at each township, they could meet once or twice a year, at some central place, for batallion drill. The late review having infused a little military ardour amongst us, I would suggest calling a meeting at once, as there is nothing like striking while the iron is hot. — I am, Sea., Ex-Voluntebe.