A DEFENCE APPOINTMENT

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 86, 6 January 1919, Page 4

A DEFENCE APPOINTMENT

GENERAL RICHARDSON'S NEW . s POST.

; The' Minister of. Defence (Sir James Allen) yesterday confirmed the cabled statement of the New Zealand War Correspondent that General Richardson is shortly to come out to this country, .but (he. Minister'did not 'siipport the statement of Mr. Ross that General Richardson is coming here to supervise demobilisation at this end. Sir James.'Allen saia . that-this work could be efficiently dona without the aid of General Richardson, but this officer was wanted out here tor the position "of Oflicer-in-CharM of Administration. No officer had Tield tins position previously,. It had 'jeen. the recommendations of lord Kitchener that such an appointment should - be made, but just about the time that the Department was prepared to make tae appointment the war came. '. • . With regard to the probable retirement of General Robin from tlm position of Commandant, Sir James Allen jould have nothing to-flay. He not eay that General Robin would retire soon, nor would he give an iiidicntion as to who would succeed him m tlio ei liis early retirement. When it • su„Vested to him that on account of his seniority as a member of the New Zealand Staff Corps General Chaytor seemed. to be the officer best entitled to the post, Sir James Allen replied that-thero wew 'other officers besides members of the Staff Corp'' who might be considered. He.dd say that General Chaytor; was certain J ono of the officers whose claims would have to bo considered if. an appointment were' being made. / _ (