THE EXPEDITIONARY FORCE

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8347, 6 February 1913, Page 7

THE EXPEDITIONARY FORCE

“ONLY REFERS TO VOLUNTEERS," SAYS GENERAL GODLEY. Press Association. CHRISTCHURCH, February 5. At the conclusion of tho inspection of tho senior cadets last night a reporter had a brief interview with General Godley, commandant of Now Zealand Defence forces. Tho first subject mentioned was the staff ride which was held in tho South -Island last week, Tho General stated that it was in every way a success. The officers had entered into tho project wholeheartedly, and excellent work had been done. A u interesting scheme had been drawn up, and the task set the officers was a heavy one. The ride bad finished on Saturday, and ho was very pleased with it. The recent cablegram from London to the effect that the Hon. James Allen, Minister of Defence, had expressed the hope that New Zealand would place an expeditionary force of 8000 men at tho disposal of the Imperial authorities for service in any part of tho globe, was mentioned, and the General was asked to make a statement regarding it. “I hope it is quite clear to everybody,” tho General stated, “that this message only refers to volunteers, to those who, in the event of war, would volunteer for service outside New Zealand in tho same way as the contingents did in South African Thar® was no question,” General Godley added, “of any member of tho citizen army being sent abroad in a military capacity. No one would leave New Zealand except as a volunteer. About 10,000 men went to South Africa during the Boer war, and Mr Allen had evidently felt perfectly safe in estimating that a force of SOCO would bo available . should similar ciicumstancoi arise.” MR ALLEN’S OFFER REPUDIATED (Received February 5, 10.40 p.m.) LONDON, February 6. Mr Keir Hardie has received a cablegram from the Labour Party of Now Zealand repudiating Mr Allen’* offer of an expeditionary force.