rs were retained. On the other hand, the Volunteers claimed that,
with more instruction and drill, they could be depended on to fight all
right if the necessity arose, and the saving made by abolishing the pay
of the partially paid forces would accomplish all the economy desired by
the Government.

Shortly afterwards the annual session of Parliament opened, with the
usual "floods of talk." Members who were really concerned for the forces
were up and fighting in the interests of the special system of
retrenchment they advocated; the Government were disinclined to stick to
their guns and insist upon the question being one for the Government to
deal with. The result was the common one in such cases--the appointment
of a Royal Commission to inquire into and report upon the conduct of the
forces for the past year, and make such recommendations for retrenchment
as the Commission should deem advisable. With the very limited staff at
my disposal the strain became very severe. In addition the Commandant's
temper did not improve with these happenings. He was a bachelor, and had
not the opportunities a married man has of forgetting official troubles
when enjoying the comfort and happiness of his home. However, we pulled
through, though the Commission sat for some considerable time, during
which no amount of returns seemed to satisfy its cravings for
information. The report of the Commission was by-and-by duly printed and
submitted to the Government, which promised to lay it before Parliament
on a suitable date for the information of Members, and after that the
Government would make the opportunity for the fullest discussion by the
House.

With the close of the year 1888 would come the completion of General
Owen's three years' agreement with the Government. This agreement set out
that at the end of three years the term of service could be further
extended by two years by mutual consent.

Month after month passed away. The Commission sent in its report. When it
was discussed in the House no final conclusion was arrived at. A second
Commission was appointed, and by the time its report was presented to the
Government and the House met, General Owen's term of three years was
coming to a close. It is not to be wondered that the condition of the
forces was unsatisfactory, their numbers reduced, recruiting stopped,
equipment wearing out, schools of instruction held only at rare
intervals. It was a disheartening time for all of us. Enthu