WELLINGTON.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3120, 28 June 1881, Page 3

WELLINGTON.

Juno 28

A number of gentlemen representing the volunteer corps in the various districts of the colony waited on the Defence Minister to-day to ascertain the views of the Government in regard to the position ot the volunteers, and as to the probable renewal of the capitation grant. Tbe deputation urged the necessity of an annual capitation allowance, or in lieu thereof assistance for clothing and defraying working expenses, and in regard to annual encampments and other means of promoting volunteering generally, and further that an additional supply of ordnance, tents, etc., be procured ; also that uniformity in dress be adopted throughout the service, except in the case of artillery, who had a uniform peculiarly their own. Mr Rolleston, in reply, agreed that the position of the volunteers was unsatisfactory owing to the withdrawal of the capitatioo grant, but he could also assure those present that the Government were anxious to do all in their power to further the volunteer movement, and by reorganisation render it an efficient system throughout the colony. He was of opiuion that the question of encampments should receive more attention. However, he was not prepared for the deputation prior to the Colonial Treasurer's finaucial statement being delivered. The sub-committee recently appointed to obtain information in reference to the export of frozen meat met at the Parliamentary Buildings on Saturday. It was stated that a capital of £10,000 would be required to start a company in Wellington ; that the New Zealand Land Company had taken a contract to deliver 8000 sheep in England at 6d per pound ; that Messrs P. Anderson and Co., of Sandon, bad entered intj a contract to deliver meat from Victoria at 2d per pound ; that the estimated number of sheep available for consumption in the colony would be one million, and but for the rabbit pest would be two and a half millions ; and finally that if it was found necessary to establish a line of steamers it would probably require a dozen at a cost of from £120,000 each.