To the Editor of the Nortu-Cnxa Datty News, Sin,—A glance at the recently issued Volunteer returns shows that, compared with the state of the Corps twelve months ago, there are 48 less names on the roll for the current year, and out of a total of 277 members only 204 were duly qualified efficients at last training Surely amongst an ever-increasing population, these figures give no criterion whatever of the number of men available for service in the Settlement, and one is forced to the conclusion that the influences which ought to be exercised by individual members do not command the success which should be accorded to such a movement.
'To counteract this apathetic state of matters, I would suggest. companies being formed more on national lines, if possible. Germany is represented by a' very smart Company, but, why, my fellow-countrymen, should we not have a kilted company of Scotsmen? Without, in any way, interfering with the present arrange: ments of the Corps, I hold that there are men enough capable of forming a strong company to whom such a representative body would prove an attraction. Friendly, rivalry is what we want, and the spirit of emulation engendered by the formation of such " company would have a beneficial effect upon the whole Corps.
I understand there are several ipers here, who will, I trust, fall in wit my views.
Brither Scots and others interested, who feel inclined to give support to the above scheme, kindly communicate with the undersigned, care of your office. Lam, ete., Yith June.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.