THE DEFENCE SYSTEM

Otago Witness, Issue 4033, 30 June 1931, Page 48

THE DEFENCE SYSTEM

INAUGURATION OF NEW SCHEME ARRANGEMENTS WELL ADVANCED. WELLINGTON, June 23. The Minister of ,Defence (Mr J, G. Cobbe) advises that since the decision of the Government to embody the Territorial Force on a voluntary 7 .basis and commence military training, the Defence DepartI has been occupied making the necessary preparations for the* inauguration of ‘the new scheme. In order to make* known the prOVislcye of the scheme to all concerned and enlist tk e a ’d an< l goodwill of the public, the General OHjeSr Commanding, accompanied by the Undersecretary of Defence and an officer of the General Stall’ have just concluded a tour embracing the chief centres. The G.O.C. has reported to the Minister that very remarkable interest and enthusiasm were displayed in each place visited, ' auguring well for the success of the : scheme. The arrangements are so far ■ forward, the Minister states, that it is ; expected to commence recruiting in the ' course ot the next few days. The Govj ernment hopes that employers generally I will place no obstacle in the way of allowing such of their employees as so desire to join, up and attend the pre 1 scribed training courses and camps. . The Government will encourage its cm I ployees to. enlist and afford every reason- ■ able facility for them to carry out the

obligations which enlistment in the force entails.

VIEW OF RETURNED SOLDIERS EXPERT ADVICE DESIRABLE. WELLINGTON. June 24.* The defence policy of New Zealand was considered by the Returned Soldiers’ Associations’ Conference to-day, when a remit was carried strongly urging the Government to appoint a commission of experts, independent of political control, to inquire into the matter of defence in New Zealand and bring down a scheme of defence having regard to the requirements of Imperial defence and to the requirements of the three services—Air Force, Navy, and Army. The view expressed by delegates was that defence was a matter which should be outside politics. *

General Sir George Richardson supported the motion. He said he had been very surprised to find that the territorial system, which had been built up with great trouble, had been so suddenly disorganised. Two years ago he was in Switzerland, and in view of the fact, that Switzerland was in the heart of Europe and the heart of the League of Nations, it might be thought that it would be perfectly safe for that country to do away with a defence system, but he found that that was not the ease. Switzerland was keeping the system going till after the Disarmament’ Conference in February next. He stressed New Zealand’s duty to the Empire in time of trouble, and suggested that defence should not be looked at from a local point of view, but from that of the Empire generally. Not only would be like to see a committee of experts, but he would like to see a permanent committee, so that they would always have a branch of the Imperial Defence Committee composed of experts. •

Sir Andrew Russell said that the behaviour of the Territorials at Hastings at the time of the earthquake was one of the best advertisements the territorials could have liad, and was a lesson of incalculable value to the community of having within it an organised, disciplined body to meet emergencies. He suggested that the territorial officers might help in any defence system which was in operation. RECRUITING TO START THIS WEEK. The work of adapting the system ot military training to a voluntary basis is being proceeded with apace in Dunedin, and our representative was ininformed last week that it is anticipated that the actual work of recruiting will commence locally some time this week. AlreaU v a number of enrolments Ims been received, but the defence authorities are at the moment COvCCii trating on general organisation at head quarters before launching a definite cam paign.

It will be understood that a good deal ot preliminary labour will be necessary before the training of the men under the new system can be commenced, but steps are being taken to place the scheme on a sound footing as rapidly as possible. -Unit committees are being appointed, and when these are functioning a meeting will be held nt winch the general policy of recruiting will be decided upon. On the completion of this work recruiting will be proceeded with

as the necessary enrolment and attestation forms arrive, and the process of building up the units to the authorised establishment will be commenced. It is expected that the method of recruiting which will be adopted will be hy the circularising of those who have passed through the cadet and territorial units and by announcements in the press. It is not, however, to be assumed that only those who have' already received some form of training will be accepted for enrolment, as the ranks of the new force will be open to all who desire' to join up. The authorised establishment for the various units in Otago is as follows (enlistments being restricted to the numbers mentioned in each case) :— Otago Mounted Rifles. —Eighteen officers and 180 men. 12th Battery (4.5 in howitzers). —Six officers and 122 men. 14th Battery (6in howitzers. —Six officers and 108 men. Ist Battalion, Otago Regiment.— Thirty-two officers and 511 men. Otago University Medical Company. — Fifteen officers and 235 men.