From the returns now available it appeal* thab in the Auckland Provincial District) the numerical strength of the various volun teer corpa is 37 behind the minimum strength, in Wellington 29, in Otago 70, and in Canterbury 160. Auckland hos five corps whose roll of members is below the minimum, Wellington four, Canterbury 11, and Otago eight. There is a great im provement in the Auckland, Wellington, and Otago districts for tho year, and a slight improvement in Canterbury as com pared with tho previous year. Undef regulation 132 those corps that are behind the minimum strength on the 31st Decem« bcr in each year are not entitled to receive capitation, but the Hon Mr Soddon, Mm» ister of Defence, does not intend to fully carry out this regulation. On the contrary, ho intends to pay the whole of the oom« panics capitation who have otherwise qualified for the past year. Those corpa that have been continually working with considerably less than their minimum strength will be asked for an explanation, with the view to having their full strength restored within a reasonable time. Until tho explanation is forthcoming the paying of tho capitation of those companies whoea numerical strength is 20 per cent, behind tho minimum will be held over; bub the Defence Minister does not intend, unless in extreme cases, to withhold the capitation thab has been earned, so long as the effi ciency of the members of tho corpe has been maintained. Of the corps below the minimum strength at the end of the pre sent year and who were in the same posi tion last year, their services will be dis pensed with. Tho new commandant, Cap tain Fox, R.A., is expected to arrive at the beginning of Mny.
