DISBANDMENT OF THE NELSON NAVAL BRIGADE.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XVI, Issue 251, 21 October 1881, Page 2

DISBANDMENT OF THE NELSON NAVAL BRIGADE.

The letters which appear below were received by Majir Pitt from Wellington thia morning. We understand that an endeavour will be made without delay to re-form the Brigade, which, until lately, has been a credit to the place, and co to prevent the abßence of such a fine corps from the ranks of our local Volunteer force, and the removal of their excellent boat, the Aurora, to Wellington. The name of Mr Richardson ia mentioned in connection with the captaincy, and we feel sure that if he will consent to accept it he will, within four and twenty hours, have under him a body of men that any officer might be proud to command. The following are the letters referred to :—

Defence Office, "Wellington, October 20, 1881. Sia, — I am instructed to inform you that after a moat careful consideration of the evidence produced at the enquiry held by Liput.-Col. LyoD, the Hon. the Defence Minister decided to recommend to Hia Excellency the Governor the disbandment of the Nelson Naval Brigade, which, having been approved, wi:l appear in to-day's Gazette. I have, &c, H. E. Reader, Lieut.-Col. Under Secretary Defence. Major Pitt, &c. Defence Office, Wellington, October 20, 1881. Sih,— With reference to my letter of this day's date advising you that His Excellency the Governor has been pleased to disband the Neißon Naval Brigade in consequence of an adverse report furnished by Lieut.-Colonel Lyon, I have to state that the names of Potty Officer Charles Henry Dement and Boatswaiu's Mate Frederick Flann are specially mentioned by Lieut.-Colonel Lyon who recommends that they be informed that they are honorably exonerated from taking part in the transactions which led to the disbandment of the Corps. I haye to request that thk recommendation may be placed on record in your office.

I have, &.C, H. E Revder, Lieut. Col., Under Secretary Defence. Major Pitt, &c.