TELEGRAMS.

Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 3899, 28 June 1881, Page 2

TELEGRAMS.

(Fbess Association.)

WELLINGTON

This day

A number of gentlemen representing the Volunteer Corps in various districts of the Colony waited on the Defence Minister to ascertain the views of the Government in regard to the position of the volunteers and as to the probable renewal of the capitation grant. The deputation urged the necessity of an annual capitation allowance, or in lieu thereof assistance for clothing and defraying the working expenses, and in regard to the annual encnmpments and other means of promoting volunteering generally; and further that an additional supply of ordnance tents etc., be procured, also that uniformity in dress be adopted throughout the. Service except in the case of artillery who had a uniform peculiarly their own.

Mr Jiollestou iv reply agreed that the position of the volunteers was unsatisfactory owing to the withdrawal of. the capitatioo, but he could also assure those

present that the Government were anxious to do all iv their power to further the volunteer movement, aud by re-organistion render it nn efficient system throughout the colony. He was of opinion that the question of encampments should receive more atteution ; however he was not pre pared to reply definitely to the wish of the deputation prior to the Colonial Treasurer's financial statement being delivered.