VOLUNTEER DEPUTATION TO SIR DONALD MCLEAN.

Thames Star, Volume VI, Issue 1861, 19 December 1874, Page 2

VOLUNTEER DEPUTATION TO SIR DONALD MCLEAN.

A deputation comprising captains of the various* volunteer companies on the Thames, and Major Cooper waited upon the Hon. Sir Donald McLean yesterday afternoon in the Pacific Hotel, Grahamsstown. These gentlemen urged upon the Native Minister the great necessity existing for a bridge across the Kauaeranga Creek, more especially in view of the coming colonial prize firing. The want of a gun boat for the Naval Brigade was set forth, and Sir Donald was questioned in respect of the Sneider rifles which, it was promised to supply the volunteers with. Sir Donald McLean replied in regard to the rifles that it would in all probability be six months before the arms could be available, but that he would telegraph to Wellington for information, and communicate the result of hi 3 enquiries to the-deputation; Referring to the question of a bridge over the Kauaeranga he authorised Major Cooper to proceed with the work at onee —provided it could be constructed at a reasonable cost—in order to have it completed for the ' forthcoming matches. He also -promised that a gun-boat should be secured for the Thames Naval Brigade; also that he would give the Brigade one of tho new guns which, he had sent home for. The deputation introduced the subject of making some addition to the salary of the drill instructor, Sergeant Major Grant. Sergeant Grant's qualification and duties were spoken of, and Sir Donald's favorable consideration of the point was asked for. H^ promised in reply to increase the salary. The deputation then retired, after having thanked the Native Minister; and were very well pleased, of course, with the manner in which he had met their requests.