A SELF-RELIANT ARMY.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 220, 19 July 1917, Page 2

A SELF-RELIANT ARMY.

SECRET OF SUCCESS.

AUSTRALIAN GENERAL’S VIEW.

LONDON, July 8,

Major-General Monasli, of tlie third Australian Division, in the course of an interview, stated that the co-operation of the staff and all ranks at Mcssines was reminiscent of the evacuation of Gallipoli. The vigour and the spirit of the men were partially attributable to the excellent rationing, the officers being systematically taught the science of dieting. A* illustrating the sportsmanship and camaraderie of rival flyers a captured pilot handed the General Monash a letter addressed to his commander. When informed that it was impossible to deliver it he replied smilingly, “ Please hand it to the British airmen. It will do alright. ” General Monash agreed, and the letter reached its destination by aerial post. Generals nowadays are not troubled by the shortage of gun-power, said General Monash; the only question is how wisely to utilise it. It is a common experience for a artillery commander to report that his battery is idle and enquire if there is any little job that wants doing. If h eis told to smash a section of trenches he replies, ‘‘How many shells shall I give it —a hundred of a couple of thousand?” It is impossible to realise the relief in comparison with the former policy of husbanding ammunition, A remarkable feature with the Australians is the inexhaustible supply of skilled labour. It docs not matter what is wanted, artisans are obtainable. The basis of the Australians’ Success, considers General Monash, is the magnificent system of State education, the products of wffiich are well-informed, intelligent, and self-reliant men, fitted to serve of command. It is noticable that civilian soldiers have often succeeded where experts failed.