POSITION OF RIFLE CLUBS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2319, 11 August 1898, Page 17

POSITION OF RIFLE CLUBS.

Wellington, August 8,

A deputation waited on the Minister for Defence and the Commandant of the Forces to-day, and asked if the Government could give Rifle Clubs some recognition as an arm of the defence of the colony. What they wanted was recognition by the Government and weapons at the lowest price the department could supply them, and ammunition on the same terms. No capitation grant was asked for. Colonel Pen ton said his idea was that Rifle Clubs must come under some military calling and discipline. It would simply mean disaster to take in untrained men as part of the defence in time of emergency. As the clubs at present existed they were of no benefit to the Government at all. Members of clubs took up rifle shooting for their own pleasure and did nothing at all for the State ; in fact they injured the volunteers by preventing men from joining who would otherwise do so. If the Government were going to recognise them, let it make them a real military reserve — that is to say, let them serve five years as volunteers before they joined Rifle Clubs, and then turn out once a quarter for drill. In such cases clubs should be granted a certain amount of ammunition free. This would give a reliable reserve. The Minister for Defence suggested that the Rifle Clubs of the colony should draw up definite proposals and submit them to the Government.

The Postal department has sold all the 2£d stamps with the error in the spelling of Wakatipu, 350,000 in all. The transpositions of design and colour already detailed will be made very soon. Mr Bichardson, Government Insurance Commissioner, denies that Inspector Cullen, during his trip to the King Country to detect sly grog-selling, was authorised to act aa agent for the Government Life Insurance department. When Captain Russell went to England he failed to loave his nomination paper for reelection to the H&wke's Bay Education i Board, and in his absence a new member was ] elected in his place. Unaware that he was j no longer a member he took his seat al the ! board meeting the other day. Shortly after ! he wished the board "good morning."