The Globe. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1878.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1465, 26 October 1878, Page 2

The Globe. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1878.

Fob some time past, aud especially since the martial feelings of the community have been aroused to a certain pitch by the ever wavering rumors of a European war, the question of the defences of the colony has assumed a degree of importance never equalled probably since the first dawn of its constitutional emancipation. And it may not bo out of place, therefore, to notice what the last official report on the New Zealand volunteer force may have to say as to the state of things generally, concerning the defensive moans, at the present moment, in the hands of the colonial taxpayer. Rumors of a European war, into which the Australasian colonies would certainly be drawn, have, during the last few months, been uppermost in people’s minds, and since those halcyon days when Sir George Grey—having assumed for the first time the purple of office —threw cold water upon the proposed visit of the two English Defence Commissioners, the question of how we stood in reference to national defences has excited unusual interest. This year’s report is not a voluminous one, yet, as things now are, we have no doubt its contents will be read with interest. Strange to say, considering how unpopular in certain quarters volunteering has been for some years past, the report begins by stating that the excitement caused by the disturbed state of European affairs had had the effect of stimulating the volunteer movement in the colony, for the last twelve months. This year the number of volunteers has increased by 279 adults and 232 cadets, there being a total of 5508 on the rolls. Aud here comes the suggestive statistical fact, that, while in Great Britain the proportion of reserve forces to population is 1 in 86, in New Zealand it is 1 in 75. Of course this does not show a great deal in favor of the colony. The Colonial Secretary, who fathers the report of this year, seems to assume that New Zealand volunteers will henceforth be called upon to face external foes only. Following upon the oft repeated arguments of Colonel Brett, and of other experienced military fossils, Colonel Whitmore evidently moans to bring the artillery branch of the service to the fore. These heavy guns now on their way from B ome will be handed to the various artillery corps located at the seaports, and their capitation grant will bo increased £1 a year from the time of these guns being placed under their charge. At the present moment there are but thirty-two guns in the colony, half of which are probably worse than useless. The most formidable weapon of this class is a 40pounder Armstrong now in Auckland. Following in the list are two 12-poundors of the same kind. Eleven mortars are spoken of by the report to bo in store, but what they really are for festive or defensive purposes —is not stated, probably the former. The report is singularly bald on the question of the amount of ammunition the colony possesses. AVb are informed that the new regulations, ■which fixed a minimum of 50 as the lowest which would entitle any corps to capitation grants, have had the best effect, and that the new system of replacing permanent staff officers by volunteers has been very successful. But in the same breath the Government states that an Inspector of Volunteers will bo appointed at a salary of £250 a year. This is renovating an old institution, but at a seemingly very low figure. The present strength of the volunteer force is 7,688, of which there are 592 cavalry, 620 artillery, 404 engineers, 3433 rifles, and 449 naval. Finally, the report alhides to a projected Colonial Rifle Association, which the Government intends assisting. But no details of the scheme are given. To our mind this Volunteer Report of 1878 is a mere foolscap return, containing but dry aud obsolete facts and figures, aud in no way as comprehensive as might have been expected under existing circumstances.