THE ARMY REFORM.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 11 March 1901, Page 4

THE ARMY REFORM.

The Army to be largely Increased.

A Decided Advance in Training.

(PBK PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

[BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.—-COPYRIGHT]

London, March 9,

In the House of Commons Hon Mr Brodrick unfolded hi 3 great army scheme. It was favorably commented on both sides of tho House. Tho cantral featuresix Army Corps—stationed in a-J many distrtcts, each corps to bo completely equipped, throe always to be ready to go abroad; a largo portion of the War Office work devolving upon the Commanders of the Corp 3.. Mr Brodrick stated that the home army ■would in fulure number 650.000, inelud. ing 155,000, regulars, besides 115,000 regulars in India and abroad; 90,000 reserve, 150,000 militia, 05,000 Yeomanry, and 250,000 volunteers of increased efficiency. Tho field army wou\l compriso 260,000 for home, garrisons 190,000 and volunteers for London 100,000, including 40 heavy batteries, leaving unallotted a surplus of 180,000, representing tho staff, Bick and recuits.

The first three Army Corp 3 aro intended for immediate foreign sen be, or the first line of home defence. The total additions to the the forces •will be 128,500, costing under three millions annually. The training of the troops will be remodelled. There will be less barrack drill, and more professional skill will be expected amongst the officers, whose expenses will bo reduced. In unfolding the new army scheme the Hon. Mr Brodrick stated that Aldershot would bo the headquarters of the first corps, Salisbury Plain the second, Ireland third, Colchester the fourth, York the fifth, Edinburgh the sixth. The last throe inoludes 60 battalions, of militia and volunteers, both with field guns and special training, An enrolement of eight garBison regiments would releaso an equivalent of regulars from the Meditterancan Btation. Five Indian regiments would replaco the regulars garisoning tropical fortresses. The Admiralty would undertake the defence of the smaller coaling stations, thus releasing another fivo battalions of regulars. A militia reserve of 60,000 was being formed. The Yeomanry aro to be armed with riflos if possible. The Colonial Yeomanry aro to be affiiliated for Imperial service. 200 of 4'7 in field guns have been ordered. Bach corps is to have its own barracks, manoeuvring ground, staffs, store 3 and transport for completo service. No officer is to be employed in a peace command unless he is certificated as fit to command in time of war.

■ The achemo aims at decentralising the administration and centralising the responsibility.