OUR DEFENCE FORCES

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2588, 9 October 1915, Page 6

OUR DEFENCE FORCES

MORE PENSIONS

THE NATIONAL RESERVE

The Defencc 'Amendment Bill, which was introduced in, tho llouso of Representatives by Governor's Message last night, contains sovoral important provisions. It extends t'ho pension system to cover tho cases of soldiers who liavo died or suffered disablement in New Zealand, recognises tho National Resorve, and makes some amendments in tho law relating to tho Territorial Forco and Reserves.

The provisions of tho War Pensions Act are to apply to members of .the Expeditionary Forco or their dependants in cases where death or ■ disablement has occurred in Now " Zealand, if tho death .or disablement is proved, to have resulted from employment as a member, of the forces. Tho provision is retrospective in operation, and it .is provided that for the purpose of computing tho amount of the pension under this clause tho Pensions Board "shall take consideration of tho fact that tho death or disablement occurred in New Zealand."

. The' National Reserve is to bo reorganised as a voluntary organisation "established for military training- and 'military service within Now Zealand. Tho Governor-in-Council may make, regulations for the organisation, training, discipline, and controlof tho reserve. ; Another'clause provides that.tho Senior Cadets shall form a definite portion of the Defence Forces.