TELEGRAMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 11 December 1920, Page 3

TELEGRAMS.

(Per Press Association.)

REDUCING THE DEFENCE STAFF WELLINGTON, Dec. 10.

In accordance with the Government’s policy of reducing tlie personnel of the Defence Department. to a minimum consistent with maintaining the maximum amount of efficiency was possible, an announcement was made recently that a number of officers in the Neiv Zealand Staff Corps and Royal New Zealand Artillery would be retired. It is the intention of the authorities to reduce the strength of tlie N.Z. Staff Corps and commissioned ranks of the permanent force by about 25 per cent. There has been much speculation amongst officers ns to whose fate it 'Would he to be given notice. Tlie names of those who are to go have now been decided upon, and it is expected that within a few days the officers affected' will have received intimation that their services will be no longer required. There are at present about 144 officers in the N.Z. Staff Corps and R.N.Z.A., and all but six have seen active service either in the South African or in'the late war, and some in both wars.

A CHRISTCHURCH REQUEST. CHRISTCHURCH, December 10. The Mayor, has received the following letter from the Prime Minister: “I am in receipt of your letter of December 3rd, forwarding a newspaper flipping, sjetting out the difficulties which His Excellency the GovernorGeneral is experiencing in obtaining a suitable residence for a prolonged stay in Christchurch. I note that in your opinion, a Government house should be established in Christchurch to obviate the inconvenience which is caused to His Excellency at such times as he desires to reside for a period in Christchurch. Whilst recognising the desirability from certain standpoints of establishing a Government House at Christchurch, I regret to say that tlie Government is unable at present to authorise the expenditure necessary for this purpose.” , BOY SCOUTS. WELLINGTON, December 10. A deputation representing the Boy Scouts had an interview with the Prime Minister and the Minister of Defence to-day in order to ask for assistance in strengthening the organisation. The speakers stated the Boy Scouts numbered in New Zealand 2,000 officers and 25,000 hoys. Tlie Minister was understood to give sympathetic consideration i to the requests made by the deputation.