Lord Kitchener's Report

Horowhenua Chronicle, 12 March 1910, Page 4

Lord Kitchener's Report

THE PRIME MINISTER'S VIEWS.

The report of.Field-Marshall Lord Kitchener upon'the defence of New Zealand was handed by the Prime Minister to a special representative of the New Zealand Herald on the 9tli March, who waited upon liimat Rotorita in order to secure it. Sir Joseph also gave tho Herald representative an interesting interview, in which be discussed the probable cost to tho Dominion of adopting Lord Kitchener's scheme, besides other aspects of the question" raised. The Field-Marshal's report in the main consists of an application to New Zealand of Part I. of his Australian Defence Report, but it is accompanied by the following covering letter, dated March 2nd, addressed to Sir Joseph Ward:— "Dear Sir Joseph Ward,—l do not think it is necessaery to write you a special memorandum oil the defence of New Zealand, as from what I have seen during my inspection tho necessity for improved training is just as equally marked in this country as it is iii Australia. It appears to me that for your land forces., Xew Zealand and Australia should adopt homogeneous military systems in order to be able to efficiently support one another in the eve-nt of national danger. The desirability of such co-operation is evident by reason of the geographical positio.il of the two countries; moreover, the young men of New Zealand and Australia, though showing some markedly different characteristics, are in both countries splendid material for creating a first-rate fighting machine, for the. conditions of their country life are very similar, producing successful pioneers, accustomed to make the band supply the wants of man. I think, therefore, that uniformity in training and establishments of units as well as the closest ties of comradeship in the armed laud forces of New Zealand and Australia, should be fostered in every way. These considerations point to New Zealand sending those cadets_ destined to l>e instructors of her citizens to the Australian West Point College, which I have recommended tho Commonwealth Government should institute, and which I believe they are about to establish. It is ouite evident that the wants,of New Zealand in this respect are not sufficient to create a college- where training of the nature required can be properly imparted. This will be seen from the fact that, working on the lines suggested for Australia, a suitable number of areas for New Zealand would be about 55, i.e., approximately thirty in the North and 25 in the Soutli Tsland. _ Each area should of course provide the .same quotas as are recommended for Australia, and it follows, that the permanent instructional officers required for area work alone would be 55 subalterns and captains and six majors. The thirty permanent officers now employed with the permanent forces district and headJuarters staffs will also be wanted. should therefore recommend an eventual establishment for the New Zealand Staff Corps of a hundred offices, being the ninety-one accounted for above, plus 10 per cent, to allow for the deputation of officers to train with units in Tmliaaml the United Kingdom, _ sickness etc. Bv ranks this establishment will work out at:-Colonels 3, lieuten-ant-colonels 0. majors 13, captains 26. lieutenants 52. total. 100. The maintenance of this number will require an annual supply of about five officers, so that, to allow for the selection of the best men, T would recommend that New Zealand should semi ten cadets aimuallv to the Australian College, from whom five would ultimately be chosen-for commissions in the staff corns. You bavo so recently bad the views of the War Office on the land forces of Xew Zeala.ttd, that I do not deem it necessary to point out the considerations which govern the defence of this Dominion. You will find, however, that Part T. of the project which I g.'ive to the Commonwealth Government, and which I now enclose nnd recommend to you, does not differ from the War Office memorandum in any matters of importance, but it will, T hope afford you ■\ practical scheme for giving effect to your defence measures. At tbe risk' of repetition, I wish again to emphasise tbe importance of placing the ideal of your defence on as high a standard of efficiency as possible, in order that the men serving, as well as the public, may have a just pride in tha fighting value of' the force, and so insist upon the observance of the ininortaut principle that defence should be outside party politics and not used by individuals for political pinposes. A thoroughly trained and efficiently equipped fore .should be the supreme object of your efforts, .•Hid no personal considerations should for a moment be allowed to stand in the way. It only remains for me to thank you most sincerely lor the facilities afforded me on my visit, and for the assistance _ which f bavo everywhere received in the inspection of your defences and troops. f shall always remember with much gratification my association with the forces of this Dominion. I shall follow their progress with the keenest interest, and f shall be only too glad at any time to give such' advice or assistance that may be required in inv power. "I forward herewith a separate confidential communication on the subject of the fixed defences of Xew Zea'landt. "Yours very truly, " KITCHENER."