SCHEME FOR EFFICIENT VOLUNTEER DEFENCE. BY CAPTAIN M. BOWRON, RICHMOND RIFLES, CANTERBURY.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1891 Session II, H-54

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Sess. 11.—1891. NEW ZEALAN|D.

SCHEME FOR EFFICIENT VOLUNTEER DEFENCE. BY CAPTAIN M. BOWRON, RICHMOND RIFLES, CANTERBURY.

Laid on the Table of the House of Representatives hj Leave.

Christchurch, 20th April, 1891. 1, A few ideas by the writer of how volunteering might be made sufficiently popular to induce men to join, how the men may be sufficiently drilled to give them some cohesive value as a force, and how their " fire-power " may be increased so as to make them of some use in the day of battle. At present the numbers are too small to give any weight to offensive or any strength to defensive operations, the drill is too imperfect to permit of tactical combinations being arranged with any reliance that they be executed with certainty as to time or place, and the fire-power is too weak to permit of any decisive impression being made upon a trained enemy. 2. These remarks are by an officer who has had six years' experience in command of an infantry company, and previous service in the New Zealand volunteer cavalry, artillery, and infantry. 3. It is assumed that it is necessary to place the country in an efficiently defensive position against external and foreign enemies, and that the enemy will be a disciplined force composed of trained men armed with rifles quite as effective as those on issue to New Zealand Volunteers. 4. It is also assumed that it is desirable and practicable to defend the country with a Volunteer Force. 5. The Volunteer Force, therefore, requires to be sufficient in numerical strength, proficient in drill and tactical manoeuvre, subservient to discipline, and able to develop to its fullest extent the fire-power of the rifles with which they are armed. 6. Numerical Strength. —The numerical strength is insufficient for the positions to be defended. This is plainly shown on district field-days, when, if all the approaches open to the enemy are held, the defence is weak at all points, and is unable to withstand a concentric attack, and, having no supports or reserves, the defence must be rolled up and destroyed in detail. If only a few of the approaches available to the enemy be held, then the enemy, by a secondary retaining attack on some of the points held, will pass his main body by the undefended approaches, and the operation would result in a parallel march for the capital. 7. Becruiting. —It seems necessary and desirable first to define the meaning of a " Volunteer ;" and the following definition is offered : namely, that a Volunteer be one who freely and without reward gives the required time for parades and duties, but that such time be outside of the hours wherein he earns his daily bread. At present the Volunteer is asked to give up his spare time, and he does so willingly ;he is required to give up business time, and he tries to do that; he also finds that he has to put his hand into his pocket and spend his own money for the privilege of protecting other people's property, and he even does this, but with a feeling that the limit of human endurance has been fully reached. 8. Volunteers are quite willing to give up their spare time ; but if required to devote business time to their military duties they must be paid for that, and their necessary expenses must be reimbursed. The Volunteers do not wish to be turned into paid, or partially-paid, men, but they do strongly object to partially paying for other people's defence and protection. 9. It must be remembered, that in the early days of volunteering employers of labour and men of leisure and capital assisted volunteering by allowing their employes time to perform their military duties, by personally joining the Force, and by subscribing to Volunteer funds. It is not so now : the Volunteer Force is chiefly composed of poor men ; the well-to-do treat it with neglect and indifference. 10. Before volunteering can again become popular it will be necessary to take steps to wake up employers to a due sense of their duty to encourage their employes to become Volunteers, and attend parades and duties. I—H. 54.

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To influence employers it would be necessary to pass a short and simple Militia Act, to notify the armed strength required in each district, and. to call out the first, or first- and second-class Militia. 11. Appoint a place for muster, giving, say, one month's notice, and notify that any one so summoned to muster who before the date fixed enrols in a Volunteer Corps will not be required to parade. 12. The probable result would be that before the muster-day came all the Volunteer corps would be full. 13. Allow no person, because he may be able to afford it, to purchase exemption from, nor to provide a substitute for, Militia service. 14. Divide the Militia into companies, and attach a company of Militia to each company of Volunteers, under the authority of the officers of that Volunteer company. 15. For this purpose all officers would have to be commissioned to the defence forces, and appointed to their several special commands. 16. So long as the Volunteer company was maintained at full strength, its Militia company attached to it would be only required to muster and answer to their names quarterly, half-yearly, or yearly. 17. Thus it would be to the interest of those in the Militia to assist in keeping up the strength of its Volunteer company, but the business of the country would not be so much disturbed or interfered with as if a Militia Force only was employed, and the Militia would require neither arms, uniforms, nor special officers. No parades or field-days should be held on public holidays except Easter, for camp and field manoeuvre, and the Queen's Birthday for a ceremonial review, the parade to last from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. 18. That during Easter camp there be paid the war pay and free ration. 19. That on field-days, and whenever the Force is required to parade during business hours, the war pay for that day be paid. This, however, does not refer to class, and volley, and independent firing, for which special provision is made. 20. If a man on class-firing is only a third-class shot give him nothing for that duty. The sooner he leaves the Force the better. 21. If the man is a second-class shot give him 2s. for that duty. 22. If a first-class shot give 35., and if a marksman give ss. 23. That a marksman be required the next year to qualify as marksman only ; if he fail, then to fire for first-class, and so on, if necessary, backwards. 24. That each marksman receive a special free issue of forty rounds of ammunition yearly, to be fired without supervision. 25. That each Volunteer be allowed yearly a hundred rounds of free ammunition, besides that issued to him for class, and volley, and independent firing. 26. That where rifle-ranges are several miles from head-quarters, and Volunteers have to pay for conveyance thereto, privates and corporals be reimbursed for moneys so laid out to the extent of ss. per annum, their firing records being taken to show that they have attended. 27. Volley and independent firing to be carried out by company squads commanded by their squad sergeants ; and for the volley-firing pay—Squads making 15 points,, pay each man 25.; and if making 18 points, pay each man 35.; and if making 20 points, pay each man ss. 28. It is believed that the above would render the service popular, and induce the average man to join ; and it is to the average man we must look to defend the country. At present a man must be specially enthusiastic to enrol, and those who do get sick in a short time of the hopeless and useless struggle against their numerous difficulties. 29. Strict supervision is necessary to see that these payments are really earned by those claiming them. Measures necessary to produce a force of trained disciplined men. 30. Let men on joining go through a course of recruit training for two years. The present attempt to turn out a recruit as a trained man after thirty hours' drill is an absurd impossibility. 31. Let the recruits' course be divided into four periods of six months each, say somewhat as follows:— 32. The first six months : Two drills per week ; instruction to be given in physical exercises, squad drill without arms, cleaning clothes, accoutrements, and arms, including mounting and dismounting locks and breech-blocks, &c. 33. The second six months: One drill per week ; instruction to be given in physical and squad drill with arms, guard-mounting, manual and bayonet exercises, firing exercises, and firing volleys of blank. 34. The third six months: One drill per week; instruction to be given in fire discipline, Morris-tube firing, skirmishing, tent-pitching and striking, and camp duties. 35. During the fourth six months, one drill per week; instruction to be given in attack formation, outpost duties, hasty entrenchments such as shelter-trenches, &c, sword-bayonet, swordexercise, and class-firing. 36. That it is absolutely essential that the recruits be instructed by their own non-com-missioned officers. In no other way can the recruits learn instinctively to obey and respect their non-commissioned officers, and in no other way can the latter acquire the instinct of command or a competent knowledge of their drill. The Staff Sergeant-major, instead of drilling recruits as at present, should attend and command the recruit parades, to see that the Volunteer non-commissioned officers perform their duties of instruction properly, and any defaulter he should promptly report to the Officer commanding the District. 37. The District Staff Sergeant-major should hold a class, and give instruction to Volunteer non-commissioned officers.

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38. That on all recruit parades provision be made for two squads, a first squad and an awkward squad—the latter for all inattentive and particularly backward men, so as not to discourage the smart, attentive recruits. This would tend to drill all up to the standard of the best men, instead of, as at present, bringing the best men down to the level of the indifferent. 39^ After men have passed their recruit period, it is found desirable to parade once a week, and the present practice of having Government and company parades each alternate week is found to be satisfactory. 40. Non-commissioned Officers. —Good non-commissioned officers are the backbone of the Force. Without non-commissioned officers who are thoroughly proficient in their many and arduous duties, and who zealously and loyally discharge them, and who possess the instinct of commanding their men in action, that Force, however perfect its regulations, however able its commissioned officers, and however brave its private soldiers may be—that Force for modern warfare is utterly useless, and a perfect sham, its cost a waste of public money, and its retention simply insures disaster on the day of battle. 41. That there is but one way by which non-commissioned officers can fulfil the conditions required of them, and that is, as already mentioned, the habit of personal instruction and command of their company squads. 42. The ultimate object for which every armed force is maintained, whether offensive or defensive, is war. In battle a parrot-knowledge of the whole drill-book from cover to cover is useless; but the instinct of command, and of seizing the opportunities of the moment in a calm, commonsense manner, is of the first importance. 43. The non-commissioned officers must also instruct their men in shooting and fire discipline. 44. To successfully carry out their duties, non-commissioned officers must devote a great deal more time than the ordinary evening parades, and they must often incur money expenditure. 45. It has been already assumed that a Volunteer shall not be required to spend money on the service ; therefore it is necessary to repay non-commissioned officers (when qualified, and after passing a searching examination) somewhat as follows : Pay a colour-sergeant £12 rank pay per annum; pay a sergeant £8 rank pay per annum ; pay a corporal £6 rank pay per annum. 46. All non-commissioned officers to be required to maintain their efficiency or be promptly reduced. 47. Volley and independent firing: Pay each sergeant whose squad makes 15 points 55.; pay each sergeant whose squad makes 18 points 75.; and pay each sergeant whose squad makes 20 points 10s. 48. For Easter camp and field-days pay non-commissioned officers the war pay for active service. 49. To encourage sergeants to take their men to the rifle-range, and when there practically instruct them in shooting, pay each sergeant up to 10s. for range-fares (as shown by records), and, as practice teaches better than precept, he should always have some ammunition with him. For this purpose issue to sergeants fifty rounds extra free ammunition yearly. 50. That every effort should be made to fit Volunteer non-commissioned officers to qualify for and obtain employment as staff sergeant-majors, as the present army staff instructors die out. 51. Thai it is most important that the country should gradually obtain all ranks for defence from those living in the country : it must be entirely self-reliant in this respect. 52. As sketched in the foregoing, a private who obtained the maximum efficiency in all duties could receive at end of year —Class-firing, 55.; volley and independent, 55.; refund of tram-fares, 55.; Easter camp, 165.; Inspector's annual parade, 2s. ; three field-days—each 4s. —12s. : total, £2 ss. At present the capitation is, per man, 25., which, however, entirely goes to company funds, and most companies are in financial difficulties on account of the number of men who, under the present discouraging conditions, fail to earn capitation. Other matters necessary for good discipline and administration. 53. That an abstract of the Defence Act and Eegulations be compiled, containing the matters necessary for Volunteers to know; and that it be issued free to each recruit on enrolment. 54. That all company rules be abolished, all corps being administered under the Act and Eegulations only. 55. That printed forms be issued to secure a uniform system of internal management, and officers commanding held responsible that they be used and complied with. 56. That officers commanding districts periodically examine all corps, their books and records, and causes of absence from Government parade, and insist that they be properly kept and dealt with. 57. That uniforms be supplied by Government, as well as arms and accoutrements (at present Government issues arms and accoutrements, and corps go into debt to get uniforms, gradually paying for them out of capitation), and corps be inspected periodically to insure due care being taken of the articles on issue; and that the uniform of all corps of the same arms be alike throughout the colony. 58. That the district staff have a special gas-metre, and supply free gas for capitation, recruit, and company parades. 59. Allow each company a small sum per annum (say £50) to recoup outlay for cleaning company quarters, fuel and orderly-room, gas, &c, and do away with all other capitation. 60. It is quite unreasonable to expect officers and non-commissioned officers- to continue the present worry and loss of time caused by financial-committee work, the purchase of clothes, and getting up concerts and other appeals to the public for aid. All this so takes away from the dignity and respect of the Force that there is no wonder it has gone to the devil. 61. That Government pay a rifle-range caretaker, to act as marker without charge to men or corps.

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62. That during at least a certain part of the year a district staff musketry instructor live at the rifle-range, and have ammunition in magazine for issue. 63. That every person attending any parade or performing any duty be credited with such parade or duty, irrespective of the attendance or otherwise of any other person. At present, when the attendance at any capitation parade is below a certain proportion of the enrolled strength of the corps, all those good members who do attend are punished by losing the parade, and often the defaulters who have caused the trouble escape. Let every tub stand on its own bottom. 64. That the date of the annual inspection by the Inspector of the Forces be in each district a permanent fixture, and that it be not a public holiday. 65. That not later than the second parade before the end of each current year the "orders" be promulgated for parade during the succeeding year. 66. That every endeavour be made to extend the Easter camp another day, so that the camp break up on Tuesday afternoon, and, if possible, by daylight; otherwise, arrangements to be made to light up the place where the troops entrain. 67. That, except the special free ammunition granted to marksmen, all ammunition issued free be expended under supervision. 68. It is found that men are eager to fire matches against another corps for nothing, who will not turn up to fire against each other for prizes. 69. Grant yearly to each corps a free issue of 1,000 rounds for matches, corps versus corps ; records of its expenditure to be kept and produced at end of year. 70. This ammunition only to be used in firing matches between corps. In its use the men will fire their very best, and their improvement in shooting be good value to the country for the cost of the ammunition. The present dearth of Volunteer officers, and measures likely to increase the supply. 71. Whether officers be elected by corps or no, let the brigade office in each district invite gentlemen wishing to receive commissions to apply, and enter their names in a list to be kept at the district office. 72. That those so entering their names be permitted and encouraged to form a class for instruction in drill and officers' duties, under district staff instructors, or Volunteer officers who might be willing to be detailed for the purpose. Some such plan might supply officers who would rapidly complete their efficiency when appointed to a corps on a vacancy arising. 73. That officers' swords, belts, and metal cap- and rank-badges be issued to the corps on charge, as the rifles are ; but any officers preferring to purchase their own articles to be at liberty to do so as at present. 74. That a person may be repaid any outlay of money made by him on account of his belonging to the Volunteer Force without his being in any sense less a Volunteer, and that such repayment in no sense constitutes a partially-paid Force. 75. It is a matter for careful consideration whether it would not be wise to repay lieutenants some portion, or gradually the whole cost they incur in their first outfit. Summer camps for Volunteers luithout interfering with their daily work. 76. A few years ago the Eichmond Eifle Volunteers, of Christchurch, having equipped themselves with tents, blankets, waterproof sheets, baggage-wagon, cooking utensils, and other camp necessaries, went into camp at midsummer. The men came to camp at evening, and left in time for work in the morning. The experiment answered well, for, as the men catered and cooked for themselves, when the Easter camp was held at Harewood Boad they were quite at home in camp, and independent of contractors or any other outside assistance. This was the first company to keep their tents in proper and uniform military order, to construct, and cook with, the broadarrow kitchens, and to purchase and cook their own food without employing any one outside of the corps. ,77. Such summer camps, if held close to town, in a paddock on a tram-line, could be made very popular, and the instruction received would render the expenditure a good outlay. Eations and firewood need not cost more than Is. 2d. per day, and one or two hours' drill could be put in daily, and the camp might last a fortnight without tiring the men. The benefit from such camps would be apparent at the Easter manoeuvres, for the men would be used to camp life and routine, and the worry and confusion so noticeable at Easter camps be avoided. 78. The writer of these lines desires to bear testimony to the readiness with which colonial Volunteers, both non-commissioned officers and privates, conform to orders, and their natural aptitude for submitting to discipline, and, if properly handled, under favourable conditions there is but little difficulty in making them into as serviceable troops as the colony would require ; they show, when called upon, an amount of industry, good-will, and intelligence that goes far to lighten the arduous responsibility of commanding a company. 79. In compiling the foregoing the object has not been to get as much show as possible for the least cost, but an endeavour has been made to sketch a system under which a reasonable view is taken of volunteering, and the public receive good value for expense incurred. 80. Attached are several detail sheets, A. to 1., giving details of proposed remuneration, and information regarding capitation, &c. 81. It is assumed that the staff exercise strict and carefal scrutiny over corps, and their administration and correct performance of capitation and other duties. Wherever public money and privileges are dealt out without rigid check, there fraud and abuse are sure to prevail. 82. The writer of these pages has neither grievance to air nor axe to grind ; he feels that he has done his level best to serve his country in the past, and he simply records his experience and opinions, and he challenges the criticism of any honest and competent military expert. (a.) That the numerical strength at the four chief centres is insufficient.

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(b.) That the recruit's course is too short, and that the men are inefficient in field-work, (c.) That unless Volunteer non-commissioned officers teach their squads, they can never become efficient, and attain the instinct of command. (d.) That the Act and Regulations, good as they are in many respects, are only suitable for persons in more comfortable financial circumstances, and having more leisure time, than those who actually-compose the Volunteer Force. (<?.) That a force so circumstanced is worthless in modern warfare. (f.) That such is the Volunteer defence of New Zealand. Moeitz Boweon, Captain commanding Eichmond Rifles, New Zealand Volunteers, Head-quarters, Christchurch, Canterbury.

Detail Sheet A.—Possible (but improbable) Cost per Corps of 100 Men. £ s. a. Class-firing, 95 marksmen, at ss. each ... ... ... 23 15 0 Volley and independent, 95 (maximum points), at ss. each ... 23 15 0 Tram-fares, 95 men, at ss. each ... ... ... ... 23 15 0 Easter-camp pay, 90 men, 4 days, at 4s. each ... ... 72 0 0 „ „ 1 colour-sergeant, 4 days, at Bs. ... ... 112 0 „ „ 4 sergeants, 4 days, at 6s. each ... ... 4 16 0 „ „ 5 corporals, 4 days, at ss. each ... ... 5 0 0 Inspector's parade, 90 men, \ day, at 2s. each ... ... 900 „ „ 1 colour-sergeant, \ day, at 4s ... 0 4 0 „ „ 4 sergeants, \ day, at 3s. each ... ... 0 12 0 „ „ 5 corporals, \ day, at 2s. 6d. each... ... 0 12 6 Three whole field-days, 90 men, 3 days, at 4s. each ... ... 54 0 0 „ „ 1 colour-sergeant, 3 days, at Bs. ... 14 0 „ „ 4 sergeants, 3 days, at 6s. each ... 3 12 0 „ „ 5 corporals, 3 days, at ss. each ... 3 15 0 Non-commissioned rank pay, 1 colour-sergeant ... ... 12 0 0 „ „ 4 sergeants, each £8 ... ... 32 0 0 „ „ 5 corporals, each £6 ... ... 30 0 0 Non-commissioned allowances— Volley and independent, 4 sergeants of squads, each 10s. ... 2 0 0 Tram-fares, 5 sergeants, and lance-sergeant, each 10s. ... 3 0 0 Yearly grant to corps in lieu of capitation, say ... ... 50 0 0 Free ammunition— Match-firing, corps v. corps, 1,000 rounds, at Bs. ... ... 4 0 0 Individual firing, 10,000 rounds, at Bs. ... ... ... 40 0 0 Marksmen's special, 3,800 rounds, at Bs. ... ... 15 4 0 Sergeants' special, 300 rounds, at Bs. ... ... ... 140 Wear and tear of clothing— On drill uniforms, 100 men, at Bs. each ... ... 40 0 0 On review uniforms, 100 men, at 7s. each ... ... 35 0 0 Total ... ... ... ... ... £492 0 6

Detail Sheet B.—Probable Cost of a very efficient Corps, 100 men. M s. a. Class-firing, 20 marksmen, at ss. each ... ... ... 5 0 0 „ 20 first-class shots, at 3s. each ... ... 3 0 0 „ 45 second-class shots, at 2s. each ... ... 4 10 0 Volley and independent, 20 men make the possible, ss. each ... 5 0 0 „ „ 20 men make 18 points, 3s. each ... 3 0 0 „ ;, 20 men make 15 points, 2s. each ... 2 0 0 „ „ 35 men make under 15 points, os. ... 0 0 0 Tram-fares, 60 men, each 5 fares, at Is. ... ... ... 15 0 0 „ 20 men, each 3 fares, at Is. ... ... ... 3 0 0 „ 15 men, each 1 fare, at Is. ... ... ... 0 15 0 „ 5 sergeants and 1 lance-sergeant, 10 fares, at Is. ... 3 0 0 Easter-camp pay, 1 colour-sergeant, 4 days, at Bs. ... ... 1 12 0 „ „ 4 sergeants, 4 days, at 6s. ... ... 4 16 0 „ „ 5 corporals, 4 days, at ss. ... ... 5 0 0 „ „ 80 men, 4 days, at 4s. ... ... ... 64 0 0 Inspector's parade, 1 colour-sergeant, \ day, at Bs. ... ... 0 4 0 „ „ 4 sergeants, \ day, at 6s. ... ... 0 12 0 „ „ 5 corporals, \ day, at ss. ... ... 0 12 6 „ „ 80 men, \ day", at 4s. ... ... ... 800 Field-day pay (say 3), 1 colour-sergeant, 3 days, at 8s ... 14 0 „ „ "A. sergeants, 3 days, at 6s. ... ... 312 0 „ „ 5 corporals, 3 days, at ss. ... ... 315 0 „ 70 men, 3 days, at 45.... ... ... 42 0 0 Volley and independent, 1 sergeant (best squad) ... ... 0 10 0 „ „ 1 sergeant (2nd squad) ... ... 070 „ „ 1 sergeant (3rd squad) , v ... 0 5 0

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£ s. a. Eank-pay, non-commissioned, 1 colour-sergeant ... ... 12 0 0 „ „ i sergeants, each £8 ... ... 3200 „ „ 5 corporals, each £6 ... ... 30 0 0 Yearly grant to corps (say) ... ... ... ... 50 0 0 - Ammunition, 1,000 rounds (corps matches), Bs. per 100 ... 4 0 0 Free to men (100 men), 10,000 rounds, Bs. per 100 ... ... 40 0 0 Marksmen (40 rounds each), 800 rounds, Bs. per 100 ... ... 3 4 0 Sergeants (special), 300 rounds, Bs. per 100 ... ... 14 0 Wear and tear of clothing on 100 drill uniforms, at Bs. ... ... 40 0 0 „ „ „ on 100 review uniforms, at 7s. ... 35 0 0 Total .. ... ... ... ... £428 2 6

Detail Sheet C. —A Summary of Sheet A, showing the Maximum Individual Payment to Non-Commissioned Officers and Privates, yearly. £ s. d. 1 colour-sergeant, rank pay ... ... ... ... 12 0 0 „ Easter camp 4 days, 3 field-days, and J day Inspector's parade— l\ days, at Bs. ... 3 0 0 „ 10 train-fares, at Is. each ... ... 010 0 4 sergeants, each, rank pay ... ... ... ... 800 „ „ Easter camp 4 days, 3 field-days, and \ day Inspector's parade—7l-days, at 6s. ... 2 5 0 „ „ 10 tram-fares, at Is. each ... ... 010 0 „ „ Volley and independent firing, if squad makes maximum points ... ... ... 010 0 5 corporals, each, rank pay ... ... ... ... 600 „ „ Easter camp 4 days, 3 field-days, and \ day Inspector's parade—7-J days, at ss. ... 117 6 „ „ 5 tram-fares, at Is. each ... ... ... 050 90 privates, each—Easter camp 4 days, 3 field-days, and \ day Inspector's parade—7-J-days, at 4s. ... 110 0 „ „ 5 tram-fares, at Is. each ... ... ... 050 „ „ Marksman's allowance ... ... ... 050 „ „ Volley and independent, if the maximum points be made by squad ... ... ... 050 It is assumed that no payment whatever be allowed to Volunteers for giving up their time to attend the weekly evening parades, as this is the volunteer service they offer to their country. The payments above mentioned are to recoup Volunteers for money and business time (which is money to them) which they expend in performing the duties enumerated.

Detail Sheet D.—Showing Cost of Full Service Equipment for Corps of 100 Men. 1. Personal equipment, uniforms, &c.— £ s . a. Helmets, 100, at 10s. 6d. each ... ... ... 52 10 0 Scarlet cloth tunics and blue trousers, 100, at £2 7s. 6d. per suit ... ... ... ... ... 237 10 0 Great-coats and capes, 100, at £1 6s. per suit ... ... 130 0 0 Glengarry caps and badges, 100, at 2s. Bd. each ... ... 13 6 8 Scarlet serge frocks and blue trousers, 100, at £1 10s. per suit 150 0 0 Leggings, 100, at 4s. per pair ... ... ... 20 0 0 Haversacks, 100, at Is. 6cL each ... ... ... 7 10 0 Water-bottles, 100, at 3s. 6d. each ... ... ... 17 10 0 This is sufficient, perhaps, for issue to Volunteers. 2. Corps baggage for field equipment— Blankets, 100, at 7s. each ... ... ... ... 35 0 0 Waterproof sheets, 100, at 6s. each ... ... ~. 30 0 0 Valise, complete, with mess-tins, 100, at £1 Is. each ... 105 0 0 Tents, 12, at £3 13s. each ... ... ... ... 43 16 0 Flanders kettles (small), 24, at 3s. 6d. each .. ... 4 4 0 Galvanised-iron buckets, 4, at 3s. 6d. each ... ... 0 14 0 Lanterns, 4, at 3s. 6d. each ... ... ... 0 14 0 Butcher and cook's requisites ... ... ... 0 12 0 Spring-balance and steelyards ... ... ... 1 10 0 Knives and forks, 100, at Is. ... ... ... 500 Entrenching and other tools ... ... .. 4160 Not requisite, perhaps, for issue to Volunteers. £ s. d. £ s . d. ■ 1. Ordinary necessaries ... per man 6 5 8 per corps 628 6 8 2. Extras for field, perhaps not absolutely necessary to issue ... per-man 2 6 3-J „ 231 6 0 £B_ll Hf £859 12 8 It is assumed that it is better to hire baggage-wagons and horses, when required, than to include their cost in field equipment.

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Detail Sheet E. —Showing—1. The Time Articles of " Necessary Equipment" should last, and the Yearly Cost of Wear-and-Tear per Man, and per Corps of 100 Men. Wear-and-tear per man per annum — £ s- 'd. Helmets (say, 10 years) ... ... ... ... 010 Tunic, scarlet cloth (say, 15 years) ... ... 0 4 0 Trousers, blue-black cloth (say, 15 years) ... . > Great-coats and capes (say, 13 years) ... ... ... 020 Glengarry caps and badge (say, 12 years) ... ... 0 0 2i Frocks, scarlet serge (say, 4to 5 years) ... ) 070 Trousers, blue-black serge (say, 4 to 5 years) Leggings (say, 12 years) ... ... ... ... 004 Haversacks (say, 12 years) ... ... ... 0 0 1-| . Water-bottles (say, 20 years) ... ... ... 002 Yearly wear-and-tear per man ... ... £0 14 10 Yearly wear-and-tear of a corps of 100 men ... £74 3 4 2. Add to the £74 3s. 4d. the following yearly expenditure per corps : — Gas ... ... ... ... ... 8 0 0 Sundries, including any special loss on equipment, say ... 18 0 0 Total yearly cost per corps of 100 men ... ... £100 3 4 Total yearly cost per man, say ... ... ... 100 The average annual capitation granted per man during the past 6 years for a corps 100 strong has been a little over (with marker's fee) £1 15s. lid., say ... ... ... 1 16 0 This shows that the cry of Insufficient capitation arises from a number of men being maintained at the cost of the corps who do not perform the duties required to entitle them to capitation, otherwise the capitation would be ample.

Detail Sheet F.—Showing what the Present Financial Position might have been of a Corps of 100 Men enrolled in 1885, as at 31st December, 1890 —Six Years —supposing the Corps equipped with Full Field Equipment; that the Corps had earned Maximum Capitation, and had made a Reserve Sinking Fund to replace Wear and Tear of Equipment; and that the Members had paid the 12s. Yearly Subscription provided for by " Model Rules" in "New Zealand Volunteer Regulations." (This Subscription has been hi most Corps discontinued.) & s. d. £ s. d. First cost of full equipment ... ... 859 12 8 Six years' sinking fund, at £105 per yearc ... 630 0 0 1,489 12 8 Deduct capitation ... ... ... 1,078 10 0 Subscriptions ... ... ... ... 360 0 0 1,438 10 0 Result at 31st December, 1891 : Sinking fund to replace full equipment short ... ... ... £51 2 8 This sheet is merely to show what might have been done with the capitation as offered during the past six years, but not as advocating that the special field equipment is in all its details necessary or advisable.

Detail Sheet G. — Showing what the Present Financial Position of a Corps of 100 Men enrolled in 1885 might have been as at 31st December, 1890, supposing the Corps equipped with the Necessary Equipment (shown Part 1., Sheet D); that the Corps had earned Maximum Capitation, and had made a Reserve Sinking Fund to replace Wear and Tear of Equipment ; and that its Members had paid the 12s. Yearly Subscription provided for by "New Zealand Volunteer Eegulations " in the "Model Rules."! £ s. d. £ s. d. Receipts: Capitation ... ... ... 1,078 10 0 „ Subscriptions ... • ... ... 360 0 0 1,438 10 0 Deduct first cost of equipment ... ... 628 6 8 „ sinking fund and yearly expenses, six years, at £100 per year ' ... ... 600 0 0 1,228 6 8 Result at 31st December, 1890 ... ... £210 3 4 This is a clear surplus to the credit of the corps in cash.

* This £5 per annum includes sinking fund on articles of special field equipment, where deterioration should be so small as to be scarcely computable. t Subscriptions have in many corps been discontinued, the members not being able to afford to pay them ; but, as subscriptions are provided for in the " Model Rules " of the " New Zealand Volunteer Regulations," it would seem that the regulations were framed for persons in a more comfortable financial position than is enjoyed by those composing the Volunteer Force.

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Detail Sheet H.—Showing what the Present Financial Position of a Corps of 100 Men enrolled in 1885 might have been at 31st December, 1890, assuming the Corps equipped with " Necessary Equipment " (shown Part 1., Sheet D) ; that the Corps had earned Maximum Capitation, and had made the Beserve Sinking Fund to replace Wear and Tear of Equipment; but that the 12s. Yearly Subscription (provided for in "Model Eules "of the "New Zealand Volunteer Eegulations ") had not been charged to or collected from Members. M a. d. H, s. d. First cost of equipment ... ... ... 528 6 8 Sinking fund and yearly expenses, six years, at £100 per year ... ... ... ... 600 0 0 1,228 6 8 Deduct capitation ... ... ... ... 1,078 10 0 Eesult, that the sinking fund would be short at 31st December, 1890, by the sum of ... ... £149 16 8 The next year's capitation, at same rate as given in 1890 (£207), would make up this deficiency, and leave a net balance unap- £ s. d. propriated of ... ... ... ... ... 56 3 4 (Leaving out the marker's fee, £1.) And for each year thereafter in which the same capitation, £2, is granted, the corps would have, outside of sinking fund, £100, and expenses, an annual unappropriated income of ... 106 0 0 What is the actual position of Volunteer corps ? Have they provided any sinking fund ? Have they provided the equipment No. 1, Sheet D ? Are they even now out of debt ?

Detail Sheet I. —Showing the Capitation provided for a Corps and per Man during the Six Years ending 31st December, 1890, assuming that only as many Men were enrolled Each Year as Capitation was provided for. (In the Previous Detail Sheets the Corps was assumed always 100 strong.)

Average capitation provided per man per year, £2 Bs. id. It would be unreasonable to expect that every man should earn capitation, but the difference in the financial position o! a corps as sketched in the foregoing sheets, and one in which the capitation provided does not cover requirements, is so great as to indicate that from a quarter to half the members in some corps do not earn capitation, and are treated in the " Eegulations " as worthless. Thus, from the apparent defensive strength of the Volunteer Force, as shown yearly, very serious deductions must be made.

Detail Sheet J. —Having Reference to Sheet E. [It must be remembered that in considering the time articles should last, many of them, are only used a few times during the year, and then generally for two or three hours only at a time. This sheet shows the number of days, taken at eight hours each, that the articles would have been worn during the years mentioned in Sheet E.]

Year. No. of Men for whom Capitation was provided in that Year. Capitation ! provided per Man. Marker's Fee. Total Capitation per Corps provided in Each Year. 1885 ... 1886 ... 1887 ... 1888 ... 1889 ... 1890 ... 63 63 63 63 103 103 £ s. d. 3 0 0 3 0 0 3 0 0 1 10 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 | £ s. d. 10 0 10 0 10 0 10 0 10 0 10 0 £ s. d. 190 0 0 190 0 0 190 0 0 94 10 0 207 0 0 207 0 0 1,078 10

Annual Wear j equals Days' Wear per Year. No. of Years. Total of Days' Wear. Articles. Helmets Scarlet cloth tunics ... Blue-black cloth trousers Great-coats and capes Glengarry caps and badges Frocks (scarlet serge) Trousers (blue-black serge) 12 5 5 13 21 21 21 12 10 8 10 15 15 13 12 5 5 12 12 20 120, equal to 4 months 0 days. 75, „ 2 „ 15 „ 75, „ 2 . „ 15 „ 169, „ 5 „ 19 „ 252, „ 8 „ 12 „ 105, „ 3 „ 15 „ 105, „ 3 „ 15 „ 144, „ 4 „ 24 „ 120, „. .4 „ 0 „ 160, „ 5 „ 10 „ Leggings ... Haversacks Water-bottles

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This sheet indicates that, so far as. wear only is concerned, the articles at the end of their supposed term of wear should still be good, and that a large margin is provided for deterioration from neglect, ill-usage, &c.

Genebal Summary. 1. In compiling the foregoing the writer found it necessary from the outset to clearly define the service which it was assumed the country should expect to be voluntarily rendered by those offering themselves as Volunteers, as follows :* namely, that it be recognised as a principle that a citizen's duty as a Volunteer towards the defence of his country be strictly limited to service in the ranks, and to his giving free and without pay time for parades not occupied by his daily work ; and the time for such parades is supposed to be one evening per week (except recruits, first period) : that the country has no right to require him to take the rank and discharge the extra duties and responsibilities of a non-commissioned officer without repaying him for the loss of valuable time which a proper discharge of those duties entails; and on no account should a Volunteer be at any expense on account of his service, except to provide himself with underclothing and good strong boots —marching-boots with flat broad soles are very important. 2. The scheme of remuneration has been based upon the above supposition. The evening parades, although they may in a manner suffice for the drill-ground or ceremonial parade, will not suffice to make a force efficient on a modern battle-field; and the scheme of remuneration strictly follows the lines of recompense for work done, which proves efficiency for active service. 3. On the whole the present Act and Begulations are quite strict enough to insure discipline and obedience to orders; but they seem to be made for a force composed of persons in comfortable circumstances, who can spend money on the service and give up freely business time to their military duties. Such a Force, if it ever existed, has long been extinct. 4. It is not assumed that it is either necessary or desirable to call out and drill the Militia in the ordinary way, for it is believed that by adopting the course indicated the desired results can be obtained, without seriously interfering with the work and business economy of the country. 5. In the matter of uniforms it is important that they be, if possible, issued on charge from Government store like the rifles, and to discontinue the present worry and extravagant waste of money by the corps receiving the capitation and making their own arrangements for purchase in small quantities. 6. The writer is aware that there are numerous complaints of the insufficiency of the present capitation—£2 for each " efficient" Volunteer. The capitation, both of necessity as matters stand, arid also expressly by paragraph 136, New Zealand Volunteer Begulations, goes to the corps and not to the men; and it would be amply sufficient (vide Detail Sheets D to I) if every, or nearly every, Volunteer performed the duties required to render himself "efficient," and thereby entitle his corps to receive the capitation. 7. The country properly lays down certain duties which it requires a Volunteer to perform to make his service worth the finding him in uniform, &c.; and the cry for increased capitation for these purposes simply means that the country is asked to pay for keeping up a number of men who do not perform the required duties. 8. The principles in this scheme apply to the whole Force. The details are written, in the first place, for the infantry branch; the modification of details for other branches should present no serious difficulty. The writer has refrained from doing so in order not to extend the foregoing to extreme length. 9. liifles. —The Snider rifle is the only military weapon worth issuing to the Force in its present condition. It is easily kept clean and easily repaired ; and any slight fouling, leading, or interior damage does not so rapidly or seriously affect it as the small bores, and the average available field of fire is not beyond the effective range of the Snider. It is quite true that for general warfare by large bodies of troops over extensive and clear ranges the Snider is obsolete ; but here these conditions are much modified. The Force must be much improved before it is ready for the issue of small-bore rifles. 10. Field-days. —One whole day in the field does more good than several half-days. On halfdays everything is hurried. There is only time to make mistakes, and no time to correct them. Such errors become habitual, and by instinct will be repeated on the battle-field. If the manoeuvres were executed during the first half of the day, the mistakes then pointed out, and the movements more correctly executed during the latter half of the day, steady and valuable progress would result. Whatever value the present Force may have as a brilliant military pageant, for modern fighting against trained troops it has none, either by day or night, although there is plenty of splendid material in the country, ready and willing, under reasonable and favourable conditions, to be formed into efficient troops. Mobitz Bowbon, Captain commanding Bichmond Bifles, New Zealand Volunteers, Head-quarters, Christchurch, Canterbury.

*In reading the scheme this definition must never be lost sight of: it is the key to the whole.

Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation, nil; printing (1,250 copies), £& 12s. Gd.

By Authority: GeobcSe Didsbuby, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB9l. Price 6d.}

2—H. 54.