VOLUNTEERS FOR THE CAPE.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3021, 2 March 1881, Page 4

VOLUNTEERS FOR THE CAPE.

The Wellington Post has the following : —" A rumour has lately been current of the probability of a volunteer contingent being organised in Wellington for service at the Cape, but the matter is not now only talked of, but actually in progress. The idea has emanated from the Naval Brigade, from which corps ninety-five men have sent in their names. It is proposed to raise about 250 men to go as a blue-jacket contingent from New Zealand, and the promoters are waiting tbe return of Captain Johnston from the South to enter into immediate communication with the proper authorities. It is asserted that within a fortnight of tbe undertaking being accepted by the Cape Government the men to the proposed strength would be ready to embark. We hear also that a detachment of fifty picked men from the Thames Navals are prepared to join under one of our bluejacket lieutenants, who served in the Thames corps fur several years, and who, wo believe, has, at the request of the men, taken the matter in band. It is believed that the proposed contingent can be made up of first-class shots and hardy fellows, who would be a credit to the Colony ; and as the Government compel the volunteers here to buy there own uniforms and now give no capitation money, it is supposed that the' scheme can hardly be opposed by tho Defence Minister."