Dunedin politicans and businessmen were so impressed by the Southland Hussars, a meeting was called with a view to establishing Hussars in Dunedin. A proposal was put forward for an amalgamation, however some were of an opinion that it would not be beneficial. Although Major Burwell suggested, by letter, the Southland Hussars and Otago volunteers could then become the Southern Hussars. It was eventually decided that once the Otago Hussars were established, amalgamation plans could then be discussed. A newly formed contingent met in Dunedin on the 9th May 1882 joining the Southland Hussars. Thirty men, including officers, received instructions from Sergeant-major Thompson. Uniforms were ordered, the same as the Southland company, with a joint gathering planned for November.
Ten days later at a meeting in Mosgiel recruits were sworn in forming a continent there. Captain Stronach, Sergeant Hislop and Sergeant-major Thompson were present when Captain Andrew was voted to the chair.
The Invercargill corps were not entirely satisfied the Dunedinites were genuine in their intentions; that perhaps they were using the Invercargill company in the meantime. At the annual Volunteer Ball on May 2nd in the Invercargill Drillshed, a correspondent from the Western Star advised the Hussars to "let the Dunedinites gang their ain gait."
Major Burwell, while on a trip to Oamaru in May, enquired as to the formation of a Southland Hussars contingent in the town. Reactions indicated the probability of three branches existing before long. A meeting was called at the Royal Hotel June 8th, 1882. That evening Drill-Sergeant Thompson described the mode of enrolment and the drill as well as the cost of equipment; each man to supply his own horse. Mr. A. Paterson and Dr. Garland, proposed and seconded that a contingent be formed. When the motion was carried seventeen men present enroled and were sworn in. E. A. Atkinson and James Hassell jnr, were elected secretary and treasurer, respectively. Thiry names were given of men wanting to join from Otepopo. All this enthusiasm and expansion of the Hussars created a sudden demand for good riding hacks.
When the North Otago Times advertised a parade and intention of measuring volunteers for uniforms, the heading came under Southern Hussars. Major Stumpter, in the chair, explained the hope of forming a contingent to the Southland Hussars, as Dunedin had done, and by amalgamating with Southland to form a troop, one regiment, all wearing the same uniform could ultimately become the Southern Hussars. Mr Feltham, from Dunedin performed the task of measuring for uniforms.
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