CO129-329 - Governor Nathan - 1905 [7-12] — Page 12

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Enclosure 2.

Minate of (Brmand and

Hon. Colonial Secretary;

10

In accordance with His Excellency's suggestion

a meeting of the Officers was held on the 14th. instant, the following

being present:-

Officers

Captain Armstrong, A.D.C.;

Macdonală, 1st.01.

C.P.REA(V)

Captain Skinner; Lieutenant Oliver;

Lieutenant Crake;

#

Scott;

K

Gresson;

Northcote;

ม

Plummer;

2.

I have since seen Captain Macdonald, D., and

Lieutenants Lammert and Laing, who were unable to attend the meeting.

After considering the Colonial Defence Commit-

3.

tee's Remarks the Officers were unanimously of opinion that the sug- -gested changes would be unpopular with the members of the Corps.

4.

The officers hope that as regards the office

of Commandant no alteration will be thought of until Major Pritchard's term has expired; they think, however, the Corps could be successful- -ly administered by a suitable and popular civilian Commandant, with the assistance of an Adjutant, who should be seconded from his begi-

-ment, and be liberally paid.

The Officers are of opinion that the suggestion

5.

to train the Volunteers in time of peace under the same conditions and with the same units with whom they would work in time of war, sound, but they question whether the drastic changes suggested would tend to popularize the Volunteer movement in this Colony.

is

6.

They think more frequent opportunities of taking part in Field Exercises and Mobilization, such as the recent night manning, might be afforded the Corps, as thereby each unit would be associated with the same Regular forces as in time of war.

The Officers doubt if the changes would be

7.

the