DEFENCE SCHEME

Hokitika Guardian, 30 May 1931, Page 5

DEFENCE SCHEME

t'XDEH VOMJNWHV SYSTEM.

[tty Telegraph, Per Preso Association.] WELLINGTON, May 29. A special general order wag issued to-day by Major-General Sinclair Burgess, O.C, New Zealand Military Forces, giving the details of the new defence scheme. This scheme provides for a volunteen force, It will be slightly under ten thousand strong. The Scheme provides for the retention of a highly-trained Cadre of regular soldiers, for mobilisation, places of training and administrative requirements, CHRISTCHURCH, May 29. All the territorial officers in Christchurch are willing and ready to help with the new force. During the past year, many former territorials have offered to rejoin whenever a force is established. Since tile territorial system was suspended a. year ago, tlx© whole of the officers of the units in Christchurch have carried on training. In addition, a large number of the noncommissioned officers have paraded regularly. The arrangements announced indicate that the whole of the territorial organisation is to be maintained. This will mean that at least 1,500 volunteers will be required from Christchurch. At the present time the units drilling in the city are:—l company of infantry (200 men,); 3 batteries of artillery (450 men) ; ] company Army vService Corps (200 men) ; 1 signal depot company (220 men); 1 engineer depot company (250 men) ; 1 medical company (200 men) ; 1 squadron mounted rifles (200 men).

Major-General W. H. Sinclair Burgess, the new General Officer Commßaiding the New Zealand Forces, will visit Christchurch on June 2 and he is calling a parade of all officers in order to explain the new scheme to them.