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Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XI, Issue 67, 8 March 1876, Page 2

"We regret to learn that the Easter Encampment, than which nothing has done more to increase the efficiency of our volunteers, is likely to fall through this year owing to the refusal of the Government to grant ration allowance or the use of the tents. The objection to lending the latter is said to be that last year they were returned in a damaged condition. This, we are given to understand, is altogether incorrect, as they were packed here most carefully and sent away in excellent order, so that on this point the Government must have been misinformed. We understand that it is intended to get up a petition to Sir D. M'Lean, asking him to revoke his decision, and to encourage the encampment by allowing the small sum required for ration a.lowance, and providing the tents and other requisite stores. Such a petition clearly setting forth the circumstances of the case, and respectfully praying for that which is asked for would, no doubt, be very largely signed, not only by the volunteers but by the public generally, and as the sum required is, after all, but a mere trifle, the Government, on finding that public opinion was so strongly in favor of the encampment, might be induced to reconsider their decision.