MR. BALLANCE AND THE A.C. FORCE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXII, Issue 7267, 4 March 1885, Page 5

MR. BALLANCE AND THE A.C. FORCE.

[BY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION. J Wellington, Tuesday. The Hod. Mr. Ballance has in hand a semimilitary settlement scheme in connection with the Armed Constabulary. For some time past the Government have been aware that when reductions are made in the force those discharged generally make their way over to the neighbouring colonies. The Government now propose to allow the men to take up small settlements, of say 100 aores, on easy terms, under the deferred payment system. The settlements are to be on the West Coast and along the route of the Northern Main Trunk Railway, and in each case to be in close contignity to the public works. The men taking up sections are to be allowed a certain quantity of rations, for which some slight duty will be expected in return. By this means the Government hope to prevent the men leaving the colony, and also to have in the native districts settlers who have been thoroughly drilled, and who. would be able to protect themselves iu case of any rising of natives. They also consider the force under these conditions could be reduced without affecting its usefulness. The regulations for this scheme will be gazetted shortly. Mr. Ballance hopes before long to extend the system to a civil force.