VOLUNTEER NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXIII, Issue 220, 27 September 1901, Page 2

VOLUNTEER NEWS.

On the question of uniforms, Colonel irenton, in bis annual report, says: - A national uniform has now b?en approved for the colony, and all new companies accepted have to provide themselves with this uniform, whilst old corps, when tbeir uniforms require renewing, will be expected to furnish themselves with tbe approved pattern. The uniform is neat and workm mlike, and is the same as that in which our man were clothed when detachments were sent to Melbourne. One of the recommendations of the Joint Defence Committee was that the Government should supply the wlio'e of the volunteer force with overcoats and waterproof sheets. I made a recommendation that the Government should obtain from England a supply of overcoats, which could have been landed in the colony at a oost of under 18s apiece. These overcoats were new [coats, of the pattern formerly worn in the Imperial service. This pattern of overcoat has recently been changed and replaced by one covering the valise equipmeet of the infan'.ry soldiers. My recommendation so far has not bet-n entertained, as it wa* deemed advisable to make an effort to obtain the coats in the colony. .£SOOO was passed on last year's Estimates for the provision of overcoats, but I understand that so far, beyond a few patterns, no overcoats have been obtained, and that the tenders for the supply of overcoats in the colony are not due till the end of this month. The amount of .£750 was also sanctioned for waterproof sheets. As far as I can ascertiin, 800 of these have been ordered aud supplied at a cost of £IOO, and no more are j now on order. |

! Colonel Davies wont rorth by tho jNgapuhi last night. He takes com- ! mand of the Auckland district on the l«t October. The Auckland volunteers are fortunate ia securing the services of such an excellent officer, and judging by the favourable comi mants on the appointment in the ! Auckland papars, they are quite aware of their good fortune.