THE ISSUE OF RIFLES.

Evening Star, Issue 7167, 22 March 1887, Page 4

THE ISSUE OF RIFLES.

[From Our Own Correspondent.] WANGANUI, March 21. The following is a fuller account of the interview between the Minister of Defence and Captain Somerville re the n<"'' weapons for next year’s New Zealand Rule .association meeting, as supplied by Captain Somerville :—On his way from Christchurch Captain Somerville made it his business to see Mr Ballance in reference to the purchase of Martini-Henrys that he (Captain Somerville) had promised members of the Association at Christchurch for next year. Mr Ballance told him that he had ordered 500 Schoulof repeating rifles from Home, and had received word from General Stewart that they could bo completed almost at once, and that therefore they would bo here in a fortnight. Captain Somerville, while pleased to hear this, remarked that last year a similar promise had been made with regard to Enfield-Martinis, and nothing came of it. This year the men wanted the new weapons for certain. Mr Ballance then promised to cable Home during the week, and to ascertain how soon the Government could be supplied with the Schoulof weapons : and if he found they could not be sent out within a reasonable time _he would send Home an order for 400 MartiniHenrys, to be out some time before the next meeting. With regard to the disposition of the weapons, I learn from Captain Somerville that if the Schoulof rifles, which are to cost L 4 each, come out, they will be issued under certain conditions, ono of which will probably be that each man who receives ono will have to deposit LI and .agree to return the weapon in as good condition as when it was handed out to him. If, on the other hand, Martini-Henrys are the weapons sent they will be sold right out, the cost of each being about L2 10s. Captain Somerville made an inquiry as to the cost of ammunition and found that the price will be about 9s per hundred round. Captain Somerville informed mo that the balance to the credit of the Association, after paying all expenses ef the Christchurch, meeting, will be about LSO, which, with LBO in nand, makes LI 30 of a credit balance..