Equipment and Training.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1207, 16 August 1911, Page 6

Equipment and Training.

Tenders have been accepted locally for the supply of the necessary uniforms and boots, and their manufacture is now pro~ ceediug rapidly, Capitation grants will bo paid for 1911-12 on the numbers of old volunteers existing on March 1 in order to assist units in clearing off their jii.st debts. In future nil recrnits for tie whole of the forces will be clothed and equipped by the Government. Clothing stores must be provided at onco at Auckland, Christchurch, and Dunedin and at many outlying regimental and bat talion headquarters. Sixteen thousand sets of the latest pattern marching order equipment have been ordered, also sufficient Maxim guns to complete the equipment of all mounted rifle regiments and infantry battalions in this important respect. "The question of obtaining portablo wireless equipment for the forces is under consideration. "It is hoped that the posting of all those registcrec! will bo completed by the beginning of September, and that it will bo possible to commence training these men during that month. The interests of employers and employed, the suitabil.ity of men for the various anus, and, as far as possible, the wishes of tho men as regards tho arms in which they wish to serve, will all be considered. The training will at lirst be most elementary and rudimentary, and no camps will be held till Christmas time and after. Tho annual week's camp will bo hold by regiments and battalions, and, in the case of the Mounted liiiles, who are chiefly drawn from farming and dairying districts, tho camps will not as a rule lie held till near the end of the traiuinseason—namely, .May 31." °