RIFLE CLUBS AND VILLAGE GUARDS.
ITO THE EDITOR or TER " SEXCTATOR.") SIR,—In connexion with your most useful article in the last issue, " Rifle Clubs and Village Guards," and the letter of "A Solicitor," may I venture to offer a suggestion P Of course, far the best method of carrying out the plan proposed would be that drill instruction should he given by ex-Army men or ex. Militia or ex-Volunteer officers or non-commissioned officers; but could a sufficient number of these be obtained? I fear not. Have not, however, a large number of the clergy had considerable practice in drilling sections of the Boys' Brigade, and could not many of them undertake the instruction in squad and section drill of those of their parishioners who are above the age for joining the Army ? Arrangements might be made for grouping the various parishes and employing an ex-Army man for each group of six or twelve, who should visit each parish once a week or once a fortnight. Might I also suggest that close order drill, except of the most elementary kind, should be postponed for the present, so that the time remaining before the evenings close in may be utilized for extended order drill, which is of such immense importance ? Company drill in close order, with skeleton companies, could be carried out in the winter evenings in school-houses and parochial halls.
I put these suggestions forward for the consideration of those who are qualified to judge in the matter. I would also suggest that each clergyman should supply himself with a copy of Infantry Training, 1911 (Wyman and Sons, Fetter Lane, E.C., 6d.), ascertaining what modifications have been necessitated by the special Army Order of September 16th. 1913. In a war so palpably one in the cause of righteousness and freedom, a special obligation seems to rest on us clergy to take what part we possibly can. Even those who are far beyond the age for active service may perhaps be useful in the way suggested above. I may mention that the rector of the parish in which I am living has, in the opinion of com- petent judges, brought his half-company to a very high state
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