OP MILITIA AND VOLUNTEERS.

G—No. 14a.

XI

I think an alteration in the qualification for an efficient volunteer might be made in the Regulations, which would tend to increase the general efficiency of the force, and in many instances be an advantage to the members of it. The circumstances of corps situated in towns and outlying districts, are so widely different that it is almost impossible to make the same regulations apply with equal fairness to all. In some districts the men have to go considerable distances to parade on the appointed day of the month for inspection, although they feel convinced that the weather is too wet to allow of any drill taking place on that day ; and again, in other districts, the Adjutant cannot by any possibility attend all the monthly inspection parades. One corps, the Waiuku Cavalry Volunteers, obtained permission to attend drill for six consecutive days, at some season most convenient to the majority of them, drilling twice on each of those days, and then meeting once a quarter for inspection. I inspected them shortly after this training, and found them more efficient in their manoeuvres than last year, and more satisfied than under the regular system. It has been suggested by the Adjutant of the Otago District that one-half of the capitation allowance should be given to those members who attend the present required number of drills, and the balance apportioned for a certain number of extra drills, or for class-firing. This might be arranged if the drills were more consecutive than at present, but there are many good volunteers in the country districts of the North Island who could not afford the time necessary even for class-firing, owing to the long distances they live from the head-quarters of their corps. I have much pleasure in again bringing to your notice the zeal and attention which has been displayed by the members of the staff throughout the Colony. I have, &c, Philip Habtngton, Lieut.-Colonel, The Hon. D. McLean, Wellington. Inspector of Militia and Volunteers.