THE FORTHCOMING REVIEW. TO THE EDITOR.

Waikato Times, Volume XV, Issue 1285, 23 September 1880, Page 3

THE FORTHCOMING REVIEW. TO THE EDITOR.

Sir, — I see by the papers that the Volunteers of Auckland arc taking into consideration the advisability of holding 1 a Review of all the troopa in the province in November next. I must say I approve of holding reviews, but I consider Easter holidays the best time for having 1 jthem, and also that it should be held periodically. In my opinion neither the Government nor the public take sufficient interest in the matter. We must learn to look upon out* Volunteers as our standing army. As we cannot afford to pay six ehilliugs per day to Constabulary, I consider New Zealand soldiers the best paid soldiers in the world ; and according" to the present state of our finances, this cannot last long. Now, to make the Volunteer movement a success, we should adopt (as near as may be) the plan plauned by the Home Volunteers ; that in to have a six day's encampment every year, and the men formed into regiments. lam told this plan is earned out in Canada, and a. very efficient force they can muster when required. They' are there called Militia, the^ Government giving every assistance., It i£ a matter of vital importance to £jjie Welfare of this colony, as in time to" come 'we may be called upon to repel a foreign enftmy, and to be able to do so, we must have an organised military system. We' should acquire the art of war. As a man should learn the noble art, it is with a nation as with an individual. If people know we can act well on the defensive, they will be chary about attacking us. Now, with regard to this review, I think it would be better if the Auckland men would defer it till autumn, and, if possible, make it an encampment, or at least Ist us have three or four days' drill, that the men may lewn how to move in large masses. The horses will also become accustomed to the noise and confusion, even though it may be only a sham. I hope it may be many along day before it comes to the real 1 thing. The Cavalry would also requite to work themselves up in their drill. As I for one should like to keep our name up, if it were a settled thing that we were to go to Auckland at Easter time, I would suggest that the men make preparations for it, so as to turn out smart and with good show. I believe in men, turning out smart and neat to please the ladies, for when a man pleases the ladies h£ pleases himself. I think it is bad economy on the part of the Government in stopping the capitation allowance from some of the Volunteers. I should like to hear the opinion of some of your readers on the subject. One thing I know, we must either improve the system, or let it drop altogether, as there is no use in half doing a thing. — I am, &c, H. Roche, Trooper Te Awamutu Cavalry Volunteers. Te Awamutu, September 18, 1880.