THE RECORD REIGN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10404, 31 March 1897, Page 5

THE RECORD REIGN.

THE NEW ZEALAND MILITARY

CONTINGENT.

THE QUESTION OF EXPENSE.

SOME ADVERSE CRITICISMS.

[fIV TELKGBAPH.—(JWX CORRESPONDENT.] Wellington, Tuesday. The objections made to the expense of the military contingent have been loud during the lasb day or two. The resolutions of the trades unions received from various parts of the colony confirm these objections. One complainb is thab the Easter encampment of volunteers has been prevented in order to make the expenses of the trip to London appear less costly. It is now stated that facilities for volunteers camping will be found in the vicinity of each of the populous jentres. It is also stated that tho members of ihe contingent now undergoing training will have to provide thomselves, at their own expense, with two suits of uniform. This is represented to be a co3t of between £8 and £9 for each man. Some of these men receive only 4? Gd a day. It is suggested that this sum will be reimbursed at some future day, Whethor that is to bo so or not is nob known. Ib is hinted that this objection will find expression in the short session that is about to bo held.

The Tost gives the following additional particulars, which are of some interest just now :—" Under the volunteer regulations the Government is required to allow every private when on garrison duty 4s a day. Tho allowance for a commanding officer ranges from £1 to £1 5s per diem. If these regulations are adhered to in the case of tho military contingent which tho Premier proposes to send to England, the colony will have to find between £480 and £500 a month for about five months in pay alone, for the purpose of enabling the Premier to mako a triumphal march into London. We are assiire'l by a gentleman who has had a long connection with military matters that the cost of sending the contingent will not be less than £5000,"

Christchorcif, Tuesday. A well-attended meeting of ladies hold to-day appointed a committee to co-operate with the committees elected last week to consider the best mothod of celebrating the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.