THE DEFENCE FORCES

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 244, 9 July 1919, Page 6

THE DEFENCE FORCES

STAFF CORPS CHANGES. Some changes in the New Zealand Staff Corps and in district commands are to bo made before tho end of this year, but, as was indicated in demobilisation orders Issued a few clays ago, immediate action is not contemplated. Demobilisation, of the New Zealand Expeditionary l'orce is to be completed before the* depleted ranks of tlio iStaff Corps aro filled, in order that all officers with actiyo service experience may have an opportunity to present their claims for employment. Tho normal peace establishment of tho Staff Corps will not permit the employment of moro than a small proportion of the officers who aro likely to bo available, and the military authorities intend to make tho best selection possible from among officers who have served , in the field with the N.Z.E.F. A selection board is to deal with tho applications.

One of the places to be filled will be that of Commandant of the Forces. The present Commandant, Ifajor-General Sii Andrew-Hussell, has nearly reached the retiring age, and it is known that li« does not intend to remain on tho active list. His successor, it is understood, will l)p either Major-General Sir li. W. C. Chaytor or Brigadier-Goneral G. S. Richardson. Major-General Chaytor commanded tho New Zealand, troops in Egypt mid Palestine, a'ul has a rotablo war record. It has been reported that he will not return to New Zealand. Briga-dier-General Kichardsijii, who wos a NewZealand representative oil tho Imperial General Staff when the war bsprim, became Commandant of the Now Zealand Forces in the United Kingdom after service on Gallipoli, and is at presont officer in charge of the administration in Xew Zealand.