Defence of the Colony.

Te Aroha News, Volume XIV, Issue 2086, 17 March 1898, Page 2

Defence of the Colony.

The Government have decided to establish a field battery for service where needed, with its headquarter probably in Wellington. New guns ; and equipments- of the most modern pattern will be provided. The eost of the battery will be about 458000*. The volunteer'fore® is to be increased, and the regulations altered in the direction of increasing the number of parades. The examination of military cadets to undergo a course of training in England resulted in the selection of Mr Pilkington, of Auckland. He will visit the West Coast. The total! amount to be spent on improving the defences of the colony is £25,000. J The Cabinet has agreed to authorise a considerable amount of armament*in view of the menacing aspect of affiairs in the ‘Ear East.’ There is to be a field battery established. The Commandant in his report recommended four field batteries. This proposal has caused comment to be mad© on the decision of the Government, which is stated to be somewhat ambiguous. The field battery alone will cost £BOOO. People say that the announcement is ‘ alarmist,’ seeing that the proposal of the Commandant is not followed to completion, but the fact that the attention of the Government is directed to preparations for defence will reassure the publici