THE VOLUNTEERS.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XIII, Issue 4046, 24 February 1892, Page 3

THE VOLUNTEERS.

Capitation to Voluateers Corps.

p| From tbe returns now available it appears that in the Auckland proylno'ial '"dfot'iiot ' the" cVjper'oial ptiengtb of the various Yolunleer corps is 37 behind the minimum strength, in Wellington 29 hehind, in Otngo 70 behind, and- in Canterbury 160 behind, Auckland distiiot has five corps, whose roll of members is below the minimum; Wellington i ; Canterbury, 11; mid Otago, 8. There is great Improvement jp t|e Auck,. tarid. Wellingtqnj'and Otago djstrjpts for the year, qnd a s|ight improve* W@nt for (Janterbur-y as compared with the previous year. Under regulation 132 those corps that are behind the minimum strength on the 81st Dec, in each year,are not entitJnd to receive capitation, but the Hon Mr Seddon, Minister of Defence, does not intend to fully carry out this jsgulaflon jop tj|e contrary,' h,e lias, (jecidpd to pay the whole of the capitation of ihe companies-who have otherwise qualified for the past .yffiat. Those corps that have ■ continually working with, considerably less tljan their minimum strength will be asked for an explanation with a view of having their full strength restored within a reasonable time, Until this explan-ation-is forthcoming the payment of capitation to those companies whose oumerical strength is more than 2d per pept behind the minimum will be jjeld over, bat the Defence Minister does not intend, except in extreme C9»es, to withold the capitation that lias been earned, 8 q long as the efficiency of tlje niembjrs of the porps bus beep maintained, Tlje officers ' commanding (lie several distriptsand Volunteer ofllcers will be urged,to endeavour to fully keep up the numerical strength of their corps,