KAIAPOI RIFLE CORPS.

Press, Volume XLI, Issue 6120, 30 April 1885, Page 3

KAIAPOI RIFLE CORPS.

A largely-attended meeting was held in the Municipal Chamber on Monday evening. In the absence of the Mayor, Mr J. Lowthian Wilson was votedVto she chair.

Letters and telegrams which had been passed between the Mayor (Mr Moore and the district officers and the De-fen;; -' part-sent were read, the purport of whica was that tbe services of a country rifle corps would be accepted and the capitation grant aUowed. Although the Kaiapoi Company would be within easy distance of town by railway, the Government did not see its way to accept the services of the proposed corps as a garrison company, and allow the higher rate of capitation. The Defence Minister was afraid ef the expense of the company, but when _ the arming of the ports was completed might consent to a more liberal allowance to the volunteers.

Mr A. Simpson moved, Mr T. Millab seconded—" That a Volunteer Rifle Company be formed on the terms named by the Government."

After some discussion, Mr Wbight moved, Mr Cbawpobd seconded—" That a Naval Brigade Company be formed," pointing out tbat the men could practice w the river, and so prove an auxiliary to the Lyttelton Brigade. The amendment was lost—Ayes, 16; noes, 23. The motion was then carried. It waa resolved that the Chairman take the names of intending members, act as secretary pro tern, and arrange for the enrolment of the company. A Committee.of Messrs A. Pearce, G. W. Wearing, W. R. May, A. Simpson, J. Simpson, G. Templeton and A. T. Clark were appointed to act in the management of the compwy tfll the officers were appointed. A vote of thanks to the Mayor for his efforts was carried by acclamation.

The Chaib_an's offer to ascertain next day if the Government would accept the services of a Naval Brigade in addition to the Rifle Company, was received with applause. The meeting then terminated.

[p— CSS ASSOCIATION T-Z-OBAM.J AUCKLAND, April 29. Mr Coates, contractor for the first section of the Trunk Railway, signed the bonds to-day. The work commences next week. The number of men at work on the fortifications has been reduced to 200. By the end of the week the whole cf the heavy guns in the batteries wiU be mounted. WELLINGTON, April 29. The Defence Minister is indisposed, and was unable to attend at his office to-day.

The Government have not received any newa from Home respecting Banian affairs. DUNEDIN, April 29. A most enthufliaatic meeting of Irishmen wae held this evening for the purpose of forming a corps to assist in the defence •of the Before the close of the meeting -189 names of those desirous of becoming members were handed in. Efforts are being made to form two companies, consisting principally of men who were at one time Volunteers, some of whom were the best shots in the district, and it is expected they will offer their services, each member paying the cost of uniform, &c, and only requiring arms from the Government. [raox oira ooßßJospoiroazrc.l WELLINGTON, April 29. Yesterday I told you that the terms upon which Colonel Sir George WMtmore was appointed to command the Force had not been allowed to transpire. It now appears that as yet no terms have been arranged. The Government and Sir George, i Whitiore are jboth anxfous that, whilst holding the military appointment. Sir George Whitmore ehould also continue to hold his seat in the Upper House. An officer in pay of the Government, however, could not occupy a eeat in the Legislature. The question is to be referred to the consideration of Parliament. In the meantime Sir George Whitmore aots as Commandant in an honorary capacity, and accepts neither pay nor allowances until the question ia settled. :