THE TERRITORIALS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXIX, Issue 97, 14 June 1911, Page 5

THE TERRITORIALS.

QUESTION OF CAPITATION. A good deal of doubt has arisen as to the payment of capitation for the current year, 1911.-12, ending on March 31st, 1912, and tho matter lias boon put clearly in a letter received yesterday, by tire district office from headquarters. “Supposing a company returns a strength of fifty efficients on its capitation roll for 1910-11,” the authorities state, “and was paid capitation in respect of that number, and supposing that of those fifty men only three remained in the company, the other forty-seven having elected not to continue to serve under the new scheme, then capitation for this year (1911-12) would really be paid in rc-spact-fOf fifty men, and bo devoted t.) equaling off tho old company’s accounts.

“The company itself, or the amalgamated company of which it now terms part, will be 120 strong by tho end of the financial year. Ah the new men brought in under the new scheme 1 - will be clothed by tho Government, and tho maintenance grant paid in respect of them; but in order to prevent tho Government paying twice over for the same men, or paying for men that do not exist, a maintenance grant will bo paid for forty-seven of the new- men whose maintenance grant can ha deducted lor tiro capitation of the forty-seven wJio have gone.

“As regards clothing, companies that have uniforms in store paid for out of capitation grants may issue such uniforms with the necessary alterations to tho new recruits, and tho price of such uniforms issued to men over and above the number for which capitation is drawn will be refunded by the Government; or if there is no uniform in store uniforms for tho numbers for whicli capitation is drawn may be purchased either from the Government at. cost price or privately ; but if privately, must he of sealed pattern. The idea is that companies are theoretically held to exist for 1911-12 at their 1910-11 strength capitated for, so that their accounts may have a chance of getting squared. Men over and above the capitation number will he clothed, etc., under the new regulations. “After ’March 31st, 1912, no more capitation will be paid, and companies will he maintained under the new regulations. As companies will he trained under the new legulations, the requirement to complete training before February 28th to qualify for capitation will not now exist. The old regulations that companies must qualify for capitation before February! 28th will not' ‘now apply. Training will he under the new legulations, and will not interfere nvitii tho financial year as hitherto. Hence iio unit should rush into a training camp 7 merely to qualify for any capitation or maintenance grant. Companies not having liabilities to liquidate will require to devote the capitation to tho purchase' of sealed pattern field service uniform and authorised items of expenditure. Capitation will bo paid to officers commanding regiments.” A NEW CHUM’S MOTION. At Mr G. Laurenson’s meeting at Woolston (Christchurch) a resolution was put forward to the following effect;—“That this meeting is of opinion that the Government had no right to put a law on the Statutebook of the dominion compelling the youth of the dominion to undergo military training.” Mr Laurmson asked the mover how long he had boon in the country, and after some vigorous insistence got the reply, “Two and a half years. ’ “Why, you’re only a new chum,” said Mr Laurenson. “We are not to be dictated to by a new chum who has not been a dog’s watch in the country. If the mover doesn’t want to fight for this country, I do, and I want my boys to do so.” The motion was supported by only a small section of the meeting. KILTS AND PIPES. “I think it would be a great pity to deprive our Highland regiments of their national dress,” sa : d Mr P. M. Mackay at the St. Andrew’s Society meeting in Auckland, lotenang to the proposed abolition of the kill. in Territorial battalions. The kilt and the bagpipes, he said, had played a great and noble cart in British history, and if tho dress were dene away' with, then the pipes would have to go as well. Ever-/one knew how the fierce inspiring music of the bagpipes had been the means of turning a critical engagement into victory. as instanced at Dargai. Another speaker said lie had spoken with Major-General Godley on the maiver, and ho said he did not want to son the Highland dross ahohsned, and ho only wished the Scotsmen in Auckland would raise a hattalbon of their own. He would he proud, said General Godley, to have them as pa it of tho Dominion army. TARANAKI GUARDS’ RIFLE CLUB. There was a goed attendance at tho Guards’ orderly room last night, when the adjourned mooting was held in connection with tho formation of the Taranaki Guards’ Defence Ri'lc Club. Mr Buchanan presided. The secretary reported that an application form signed by kS members had boon forwarded to the Defence Department. A sot of rules for the management of the club was adopted. but tho election of olm ers was held over unt’l notification has been lecoivod that the services of the club have been accepted. Iho subscription will he:—Active members is del, honorary members 6s.

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