DEFENCE SYSTEMS.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1614, 4 December 1912, Page 7

DEFENCE SYSTEMS.

OUE METHODS AND AUSTRALIA'S. The Hon. James Allen, Minister for Defence, was interviewed in Dunedin by an "Otago Daily Times"-reporter concerning General Godley's mission, to Australia, ' Mr. Allen said that he had gone very carefully into the details of their scheme as submitted to liimi by, the General, and although they apparently had a very good organisation, so far the training in New Zealand eeemed to be more, efficient. Our system: was much sounder, he 6aid, and unless Australia increased the age at which she; trained her boys she would never catch up. While in Australia General God ley visited, the Military College at Duntroon, • where some -young . New Zealaiiders were' being trained. Of these the General reported very favourably indeed. Inquiries were also • made about the naval college and the training ship, and Mr; : Allen, said that from what ho had gathered he believed that a thoroughly good training for the sea., was 'being given at both these places.' The question of whether New Zealand lads : would be sent there for instruction had yet to be decided. As yet the Home authorities had not consented to recognise the college as a door of admission to tho Royal Navy or any of its branches. He had no doubt, 'however;.",that the. authorities 1 would change their attitude, in time—perhaps very soon. All. they required 'was the knowledge that the training given was equivalent to that given in England. There are not likely to be any material changes :in the Dominion's system of training, as the result of General Godley's visit to Australia. Mr. : Allen is 'satisfied that our scheme has. worked out beter, than could have been anticipated. : There were bound to -be difficulties ■ in originating such-a 6cheme, but they had already got over some of, those difficulties and would ultimately surmount them all. In. proportion, the New Zealand scheme was not costing anything, like what the Australian scheme was costing, this being largely due to economical working, and after 'the enormous initial expenditure in the' way .of equipment and, uniforming, which included the providing of field battles, and so on, the cost would be further reduced. .........