THE DEFENCE SCHEME

Otago Witness, Issue 4030, 9 June 1931, Page 28

THE DEFENCE SCHEME

ADDRESS BY GENERAL SINCLAIRBURGESS.

At the room of the Otago Officers’ Club on Friday evening Major-general W. L. H. Sinclair-Burgess, general officer commanding the New Zealand Forces, gave an address on the new scheme for training the New Zealand Territorial Force. Major S. G. Scoullar presided over a largo attendance, representing all arms of the service. Dlr H. Turner (Under-secretary for Defence) was also present. In the first place the speaker outlined the numbers of the forces of various arms who were provided for and their organisation. There would he 12 regimental districts, four in each of the three commands, and the districts would be divided, as now, into areas. With a reduced permanent staff it would be necessary for most officers of the staff corps to hold dual positions, but if it was possible there would be a separate adjutant, regimental sergeant-major, and quartermaster to each unit. The general emphasised the fact that the volunteers were still the New Zealand Territorial Forces, forming the New Zealand Division and New Zealand Mounted Brigade. The present territorial system was based upon the New Zealand Expeditionary Force. Almost all units would remain, and would retain their individuality. Enlistment would bo voluntary. It was restricted at present to those between the ages of 18 and 25 years. Later on, provided an amendment of the Act was made, men over 25 would be enlisted. They were asking from Dunedin and its environs 1043, and he believed that number would be secured in time without difficulty. There had been much criticism of the minimum laid down of six evening parades, two half-day parades, six days’ camp, and the small arms course; but it was necessary that the amount should be reasonable for the sake of the volunteers, who would not easily be able to do more. It was, however, only a minimum, further parades being encouraged. The speaker urged that enlistment should be steady, and restricted only to the best men, rather than hasty. There would be no harm in keeping units at halfstrength for the first year. From Invercargill and environs they wanted to get 348. He hoped that employers would meet their employees halfway in the matter of the camps. He had received assurances from mayors of the citica in the north to assist heartily, and the Mayor of Dunedin had told him that his warm encouragement would not be lacking. There were many big firms who had always helped their boys to attend, and it had been the exception rather than the rule to find that employers were not with them. He believed that, under the new scheme, with a little care on the part of recruiting officers, it would be possible to enrol men in the new force without imposing an undue burden on anyone. The Territorial Force was to be enlisted from June 1. Some details had yet to be settled. He recognised that they were introducing the scheme at a difficult time. It would mean hard work, and difficulties would be met. “ But do not try to meet the difficulties all at once,” said the speaker. “Do not jump your hurdles all at once, and when you come to them take them one at a time, and if you cannot get over them get round them.”

“ Do remember that the army to which you belong is the New Zealand Territorial Force, and please do not call it the volunteer force. I do not say that with any reflection on the volunteer force of years ago. The identity of the existing units as part of the New Zealand Division will be maintained, and the training will he up to date. The establishment will be amply sufficient for field training and tactical work. It is essential to maintain to the fullest the tradition and achievements of the territorial regiments and all units. I am sure there is every hope of carrying on the new scheme, and, in spite of difficult conditions, of getting something worth while.” He asked the press and the public not to pre-judge the scheme. If they could criticise he would welcome any honest and earnest criticism, but ha would request them to allow the system to be tried out. “To the best of my knowledge,” said the speaker, “ we are giving you the most practicable schema that can be put into operation at the present time under the existing abnormal conditions.” By the earnest efforts of all officers, N.C.O.’s, and men, and everyone interested in national defence the scheme could be made a success. After the address a free discussion took place, and a number of questions were put to the G.O.C. These proceedings were in private.

Dr Siegmund Schultze, who recently visited London, told an interviewer that if the next Disarmament Conference failed Europe would be heading straight for another war more terrible than the last. Dr Schultze has always been an advocate of peace. In 1908 he was secretary of a committee formed to promote friendly relations between the churches of Germany and Great Britain. On the day war was declared he published a fervent appeal for peace, and his protests led to his arrest. He was court-martialled, and actually sentenced to death. Being reprieved, he devoted himself to the alleviation of prison camp conditions. He is professor of .social pedagogy in the University of Berlin, and carries his theory into practice, for he founded the Berlin Settlements, and still interests himself in their administration.