RE-ORGANISATION OF THE VOLUNTEER FORCE.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XXIV, Issue 9662, 23 October 1882, Page 3

RE-ORGANISATION OF THE VOLUNTEER FORCE.

The following circular has been sent to officers commanding districts throughout the colony :— Cibculak. — Sir : I am directed by the Bon. the Defence Minister to inform you that certain changes in the constitution and organisation of the Volunteer force -will take place from the Ist of January, 1883, and in order to save time and give every opportunity for members of Volunteer corps to discuss and qonsider the new regulations undsr which they will have to serve the principal points will be briefly detailed :— U Volunteer corps •will be divided

into Wo classes — viz., (1) Garrison or head-quarter corps; (2) country corps. 2. Garrison corps are such as form part of the fixed . establishment the Government consider necessary for the service of the colony. ' \ . . ' „ 3. Country companies are all other corps whose services are continued but not included' in the fixed establishment. . , . 4. The qualification for capitation for garrison corps will be as follows : — (a) Attendance at twelve Government parades of not less than two hours' duration, one hour •of which must be devoted absolutely to drill. Four of the parades must be held in daylight. (6.) To fire in Ist and 2nd class periods of target practice and go through the first and second periods of judging distance drill. 5. For country corps members to qualify , for capitation will have to attend one inspection of arms, accoutrements, etc., in each quarter, and undergo not less than one hour's drill, and also fire in the Ist and 2nd periods of target practice, and go through the Ist and 2nd periods of judging distance practice. 6. No parade, drill, or inspection to reckon towards capitation, in either garrison or country corps, if less than the minimum strength of the corps is present. 7i The maximum arid minimum strength of corps of all arms to be as follows : — Garrison corps, maximum, 63; minimum, 43 j country corps, maximum, 50 ; minimum, 30. 8. Every, volunteer to enrol for 12 months continuous service, and untrained recruits only permitted to enrol for corps in the months of January and July in each. year. 9. These recruits to be formed into squads irrespective of corps. They will have to attend thirty hours' recruit drill, and go through the Ist and 2nd periods of target and judging distance practises, when, if reported efficient, they will be passed in drill and join the ranks of their corps.

10. Capitation can be claimed for these recruits, provided the period under instruction has not exceeded six months, and a free issue of a sergeant's suit will be granted to enable them to attend recruits drill in uniform. 11. Men who have previously received a military training can be enrolled at any period during the year, but they will not receive capitation unless they have ' qualified for it by attending the requisite number of parades. 12. Officers and. non - commissioned officers will have to undergo an examination (before their appointments are confirmed) in certain subjects which will be specified in the new regulations. 13. Garrison bands only will be permitted in stations where there are four corps or upwards of a strength in proportion of five men to each corps. 14. They are to be under the immediate control of the officer in command of the district. Capitation will be granted to bandsmen who attend the proper number of parades, and Government assist anee afforded towards paying expenses of instruction. 15. At places where there are less than four corps the same porportion of bandsmen will be allowed, but no other assistance will be granted. 16. Volunteer corps who are at present above the maximum strength laid down in the new regulations will be required to reduce their numbers to the fixed establishment before the 31st of January, 1883, and may accept such means by ballot or otherwise as may be deemed best to carry out the required reduction. 17. Corps failing to do so before the above date will be disbanded, and new corps of the authorised form established formed in their place. lf}« Cadet corps, except those in connection with schools, will be disbanded at the close of the present year. 19. Begulation uniforms will be paid for as heretofore out of capitation, the Government obtaining them on application from corps. 20. The question of uniforms for country corps will be dealt with hereafter. 21. Corps at present designated Engineers will cease to be recognised aB such after 31st December, 1882. 22. Naval Volunteers will bo re-con-structed as " Naval Artillery Volunteers," to be trained at four principal ports in the working of the heavy batteries, about to be erected, for which a special allowance will ,be granted, as specified in forthcoming regulations. 23i If you require any further information on the points touched upon in this meniorandtimit will at once be furnished to you on akplication at this office. H. S. Reader, Lieut-Col.. Under- Secretary Defence.