ARMING THE VOLUNTEERS.

Otago Witness, Volume 02, Issue 2420, 2 August 1900, Page 32

ARMING THE VOLUNTEERS.

Mr J. Allen asked the Minister of Defence if h€ wLI provide volunteer corps which have been m existence for years with sufficient small arms to arm their men : also, 'if he will make provision for volunteers who arc detailed for certain defence works having facilin ties to learn {heir work; also, if he will, provide .for field batteries that have had nd> practice for years having the necessary nrac-*. tice? He said there were several companies that had not sufficient arms, and had to appear on parade partially armed. A. good' many of the men would now not turn out at parade because they were not armed. This was having a very serious effect on some of the companies, and he hoped it would be remedied at once. In regard to the second part of his question, the same difficulty occurred, and the men had practically no cpnortunifcy of learning their work. Mr Sedclon replied, that if the companies requisitioned for arms they would be supplied. In regard to field b,itterie=. facilities were given for the men learning their duties, though in Dunedin there was some difficulty about a range. Mr .Allen said the Premier's answer was not" satisfactory. Pie knew of instances in which, applications had been sent in twice for arms, and the men had not got them yet. -The Premier aaid that was the rercly from the department. He knew the rifles were there, and there was no reason why they should not be sent out. Mr Allen: "But they are not there, and they Have not been sent out." Tho Premier : " Very well, then ; that is a matter, for inquiry."