COUNTY CORPS OF GUIDES.
[To TER EDITOR OF TUB " SPZCTATOR.1 SIE,—I write to inquire what exactly is the position of our Guides in regard to the war. In the event of the Germans trying to " run a raid " into England—their Fleet, Zeppelins, transports, all combined in one attack—and some of them landing on the coast, I should like to call all my Guides together and offer their services to the General Commanding, but naturally they will want to be armed. The Divisional Orders say that the armlets for the Guides " ars only to be worn when the Guide or Guides are actually employed on duty with troops at the request or under the orders of a competent military authority," but nothing is said as to firearms, though, as we belong, I understand, to the " Technical Reserve," surely we should be armed. A number have already joined the Yeomanry, Lovat's Scouts, Scots Greys, &c., but a great many of us, I doubt not, like the present writer, while too old to be accepted, yet can ride and shoot quite well, and might be useful in an emergency. If there is a raid on the coast, it is the intention of the present writer to be there with his Ilannlicher, which has seen service on the Kapiti Plains, and that the other Guides should also be armed is the opinion of
the CHIEF GUIDE OF A COUNTY CORPS OF GUIDES.
[The business of Guides is to guide, but a weapon should certainly be carried. A good rifle shot like our correspondent would most properly carry a rifle. Less well trained men would take with them a revolver in case of necessity, but a Guide is no more likely to use his weapon than a Staff officer. His prime business is not combative.—ED. Spectator.]
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