THE DEFENCE REPORT

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2215, 30 July 1914, Page 6

THE DEFENCE REPORT

The annual report on the state of our defence forces, which was presented to Parliament yesterday afternoon, contains nothing of a sensational character. Jt is certainly none the worse on that account, for it is satisfactory to know that the scheme is. working smoothly and quietly. There have been, of | course, isolated troubles here and | there, as must be expected in connection with a, new departure of this kind, but the, system has now become firmly established on safe foundations, and Sir A. J. Godley's report shows that it is in good working, order. Wo are told that, there has been a noticeable improvement iu the attendance at drills during the past.year, and that the improvement in discipline, steadiness, and drill is. very marked/ The parades held'during the visit of Sin lan Hamilton gave the public an excellent opportunity of forming their own opinion as to the bearing and general'appearance of our citizen soldiers, and those who witnessed the recent- military displays will readily endorse; the Commanding Officer's remarks on this point. Tnc principal, recommendations made by Snt lan Hamilton, as the 1 result of his inspection, 'are being put into effect as far as possible. The changes involved will not prove costly, but they may be expected materially to increase the' efficiency of the scho'mo, The report lays special stress upon the economical wprking of the system, and this is borne out .by the testimony of tho Inspector-General, who has placed on record the opinion that "not a single- professional officer or noii-commissioned officer appears _to be employed whose services, with due regardi to efficiency, could possibly be dispensed with." No one wants to see 'our defence forces crippled by short-sighted parsimony, but every care - must be taken to' prevent waste and extravagance in any form. Taking . the scheme as a. whole, the past year's work seems .to have been characterised by steady, -all-round progress.-