OUR CITIZEN ARMY

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2237, 25 August 1914, Page 6

OUR CITIZEN ARMY

RESOURCES FOR DEFENCE SOJIE INTERESTING FACTS V Just now, more than at any previous penqd of our history, it is of great interest to consider the general position and the strength of our New Zealand army. The foundations of the' foTce ■were laid only about three years ago, but by'next year the New' Zealand Territorial, Force iriir';nave'"'reached ' a strength of 30,000, .the peace establishment fixed by Parliament. After that the'reserve will commence to fill.'- When the scheme for the formation of a New 1 Zealand army is in'full working order, the total number of men available will probably ■be close on 90,000,"' as follows: — , Territorial' Force 30,000 Reserve ; ' 20,000 General Training Section, under 25 , 21,000 General Training Section,, Reserve 14,000 Railway and Post and Telegraph Corps . , .; 4,000 Total ;..■'...„.'....'; „„..... 89,000 1 The military-forces are organised for war into a field army and its reserves, coast defence troops, and lines-of-com-munication troops. Roughly, the riequirements of the war organisation are reckoned to be:— ! ' ' Offioers. Others. Field: Army ... "1,144 29,551Coast 1 defence troops 147 4,168 Communication and. others 200. 3,000 Total. 1,491 * 86,719 As near as can be estimated, 8369 riding horses, 9239 draught horses, and 1029 pack horses would be' required on mobilisation. The returns show that thorearq 400,000 horses.in New Ze*r ,land, of which about 40,000 are fit for riding purposes, and 10,000 for draught and gun work. A list of suitable vehicles with horses is kept in each district, and these may be taken under requisition.

The field artillery is completely equip; pedi with modem 18-pr. field guns and 4.5 in. howitzers. The latest type of gun has been ordered for the mountain battery. The infantry is armed with'the Leo Enfield rifle. There are sufficient rifles and carbines to arm/the Territorial Force'and its reserves, and with few exceptions the cadets are'armed with the same type of rifle as the citizen forces. Mounted rifleTegiments and-in-fantry battalions are equipped with .machine guns and pack transport, for the same. The reserve of gun ammunition 'is complete for coast defence guns in accordance with the recommendations of the Oversea Defence Committee. For field guns the reserve is probably complete by now. There is sufficient war reserve of small-arm ammunition:for' tho field army. This class of ammunition i& made in the country, and the' factory at Auckland is capable of doubling the ordinary output.

It is the intention of the Sailors' Friend Society to entertain all the troopshin crows, in port again on Wednesday and Friday, prior to ttieir departure on their long voyage. Mr. J. Mooro. missioner, would gladly send for gifts of "housewives," cakes, fruit, tea, scones, cash,, etc., on receipt of a postcard, or a ring on telephone 1486.

On Saturday night, says a Press Association telegram from Hastings, tho Hawko's Bay "Tribune" stated its intention of opening ft "Belgian Relief Fund," and yesterday evening it had the satisfaction of being able to announce that the first day's subscriptions totalled £724.

It has b'eon decided b'y the executive of the United Firo Brigades Association of New Zoaland, says a Press Association telogram from Auckland, that members of brigades who aro doing military duty or are members of the Expeditionary Forces, will be granted full service honours.

The cellar of the National Mutual Association's building (on tho Hunter Ptroet side) lias been loaned to the Hoy Scouts, who aro storing there any literature the public might feel disposed to leave for tho use of the troops on tho ships which leave at tho end of the weok. There were several stacks of books and magazines piled round the room yesterday, but a 6 thoro aro several steamers to bo provided for, many more books are needed. A boy scout patrol will bo in chargo of the cellar each day to tako'delivery of any rhooka that might be left,