RADICAL VOLUNTEER CHANGES.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XV, Issue 4725, 21 July 1890, Page 2

RADICAL VOLUNTEER CHANGES.

(BY telegraph, ) (from oots own correspondent.) Wellington, July 21. Prom a reliable source I learn that the Defence Minister intends to propose the reorganisation of tbe Volunteer Force In the direction of a partially p»id Force. The volunteers in the four centreß are to be paid 15 per year for services rendered and an additional LI for efficiency, provided that they beoome seoond-claßs shots In musketry. They will require to go into camp for seven days at Easter, and will then be under the Army Discipline Act. Besides, they will be compelled to attend twelve half-day (daylight) drills and from eight to twelve night drills. Four officers are to be secnred from the Imperial Army to take command at the four centres. Their appointments will be for five years, and the «enlor officer will be Inspector-General. Country corps, such as those at iWanganul, Oamaru, and Kaiapoi, will be compelled to attend a certain number of daylight and night drills, and will require to become Becond.-class shots in musketry, and their capitation will be increased from L2 to 13 10a per annum. Outlying corps wishing to become Rifle Clubs will be allowed to do so, and will receive LI per year. The deaire of the Minister Ib, not to do away with volunteers, but to Improve their position. In the appointing of all senior officers the idea is to abolish the elective principle and to vest nominations in the person of the Governor. It is under, stood tbat before the close of next year the entire Volunteer Force will be equipped with the Lee-Mltford magazine rifle.