GREAT ARMY SCHEME.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 59, 11 March 1901, Page 2

GREAT ARMY SCHEME.

OFFICEES IN PEACE MUST BE FIT FOE WAR.

DECENTRALISING ADMINISTRATION CENTRALISING RESPONSIBILITY. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright London, March 9. In tho House of Commons Mr Broderick unfolded his great armyscheme, which was favorably, commented on by both sides of the House. The central feature is six army corps, stationed in as many districts, each corps to be completely equipped, three always to bo ready to go abroad, a large portion of the War Office work devolving upon tho commanders of the corps. Mr Broderick stated that tho homo army would in future number 550,000, including 155,000 regulars, besides 115,000 regulars in India and abroad; 90,000 reserve ; 150,000 militia; 35,000 yeomanry; 250,000 volunteers of increased efficiency ; the field army would comprise 200,000, and the homo garrisons 190,000, and tho volunteers for the defence of London 100,000, including forty heavy batteries, leaving an unallotted surplus of 130,000, representing tho staff, tho sick, and recruits.

The first threo army corps are intouded for immediate foreign service, or the first lino of Homo defence. The total additions to the forces will bo 12G,500, costing under £3,000,000 annually. The training of troops will be remodelled. There will be less barrack drill, and more professional spirit is expected amongst the officers, whose expensos will bo reducod. March 10, 4.50p.m. London, March 9. In unfolding the new army scheme Mr Broderick stated that Aldershot would be the headquarters of the first corps, Salisbury Plain the second, Ireland the third, Colchester the fourth, York the fifth, and Edinburgh the sixth. The last three include six battalions of militia and volunteers, both with field guns and special training. The enrolment of eight garrison regiments would release a equivalent number of rogulars in tho Mediterranean station. Five Indian regiments would replace tho regulars garrisoning tho tropical fortresses. The Admiralty would undertake the defence of the smaller coaling stations, thus releasing another five battalions of regulars. A militia reserve of fifty thousand was being formed. The yoomanry would be armed with rifles, and, if possible, colonial yeomanry will bo affiliated for Imperial service. Two hundred of 4.7 inch field guns have been ordered. Each corps is to have its own barracks, manoeuvring grounds, stalls, stores, and transports for complete service. Ho officers to be employod on peace command unless certified to be fit for command in time of war. The scheme aims at decentralising the administration, and centralising the responsibility.