VALUABLE MILITARY SUGGESTIONS.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 325, 28 January 1902, Page 3

VALUABLE MILITARY SUGGESTIONS.

LETTER FROM CAPTAIN LING

The following letter has been sent to Colonel Newall, commanding the Wellington district, by Captain King, of Gisborne Sir*—About 18 months ago I sent in an application to lie placed on the active unattached list as captain. (I passed as captain in 1887, marks 87 per cent.). As I understand that my application has not yet been considered, I am merely a civilian, and as such I* believe I am in order in writing to you direct, as the officer in command of the district. My reason

for writing is, that for many years I s have been disgusted with the past and ! also the present infantry drill, causing as 'it does too much loss of life. Not only are valuable lives thrown away, but the cost to the nation in replacing the men is enormous. You yourself, who served so long and took such an active part in the New Zealand wars, must often have felt the need of reform, especially in a country such as New Zealand. I therefore take the liberty , of forwarding you a few suggestions, which, if adopted, will, I feel sure, in case of war, save possibly thousands of lives, and enormous expenditure. There is- no reason whatever to my mind that the New Zealand Defence Office should stick to the English drill book. New Zealand has been the first to lead the world in some things, now let her lead in infantry drill. With the present modern rifles the drill I am about to suggest will and must be adopted before many years. Therefore let New Zealand have the honor of having first 'invented and adopted it. Anyone who has read the accounts of the wars during the last fifty vears must see the urgent necessity of reform. The English have long been noted for their line of formations (thin red line) even when opposed to men in massed columns Now let the New Zealanders be noted for their single line fp/mations. Of course I caumily throw out here a few rough suggestions, but will gladly if desired go further into details. - HENRY KING, Formerly Lieutenant Napier Rifles. SUGGESTIONS FOR INFANTRY DRILL.

Battalion (Senior Major in command) divided as at present into two half battalions, junior Major m com mand of one. The adjutant, appointed from the senior captain or any senior captain on the active list in command of the ‘other half battalion. If the half battalions should be stationed in different places, and tile post of Junior Major become vacant, the adjutant to he appointed to the post, and n necessary still remain m command of his ->wn half battalion. He would not •en*be compelled (in order to Keep 5 -seniority) to throw up Ins civil pointment or work. The same rule . apply to the other officers, etc. ach half battalion to comprise two companies, also one reserve company, and a cadet one. Numbered A B. C. D in right half battalion, and E ; *; G H in left half battal.on. Hal . battalions on parade to from No. 1 to No. 8 by half ies, and not by companies as at present, Company to comprise (as at present) two half companies, each i command of a lieutenant. (Infantry 1 drill 1896.) , Continued on page 4.