REDUCING ARMYMEHTS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIII, Issue 1808, 14 July 1906, Page 2

REDUCING ARMYMEHTS.

CiOVEIINUISNT rItOPOSAT.S.

By, Electric Telegraph—Per Press Received 9 26 p.m., July 18,

London, July 13 Mr Haldane explained that the Cabinet’s army scheme in Britain was meant to lead to a movement for a reduction of the crushing burden of armaments With the whole hearted concurrence of the army council lie proposed to reduce the regulars by 20,000. These they would bo able to keep prepared during time of pcaeo, and mobilise iu war time an expeditionary force of 151,000, comprising six divisions of infantry, with four cavalry brigades, ten batteries of horse, and sixtythreo of field artillery, equalling three arm corps, composed roughly of 50,000 regulars, 70,000 reservists, and 30,000 trained on a military basis. Received 9.36 p.m., July 13,

Mr Haldane continuing said the late Government had provided excellent new field guns and horse artillery, but only sufficient men to mobilise forty-two batteries Government intended to utilise for ammunition columns and artillery a reserve of 13.000. Garrison militainen would be released from the duties of coast defence, thus effecting a saving of tbtee hundred thousand pounds u yeai. Braides doubling the tffioiency of artillery old field guns would be converted into quick firsts and issued to volunteers. Horse artillery and cavalry would not be touohed. It was intended to dispense with the third battalion cf Soots Guards, the third battalion of Coldatreams, abolishing tho third and fourth battalions of Northumberland and Lancashire Fusiliers, Warwickshire Manchester regiments, and reduoe the Irish Guards. The reserves will amount to 122,000 at the end cf tho year. Militia will be territorialized, and must go abroad in case of war, Vclunterrs will be organised for the defence of naval potts, and given definite funct one for eaoh distriot.