Militarism now reigns rampant thronghout the land, the immediate eflvct of which is that rifle clubs are being formed in every strict. In aid of them the Govermnent is assisting with small grants. for expenditure in making ranges; and in addition members travelling to and fro by mil are allowed free passes. Recent events in South Africa and elsewhere have shown us the absolute necessity, in large country like Australia, with a com. paratively small and scattered population, of every man capable of bearing arms lieing, at least an efficient: mark A lingo standing army is, of cause, "ut of the question, but an efficient reserve of trained marksmen is by no means beyond our reach.
Our naval defences, likewise, require the serious consideration of the Federal Parlinment, which it is simeerely hoped will meet before the close of the present year.
Victoria's complement of the Imperial Bushman Reximent leave by the transport "Victorian," before the end of this month. The remaining complements from the other colonies are already afloat, being severally bound for Beira, and shuld be ready to take the field befure the end of May, Colonel Kelly has been appointed to the
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.