OUR DEFENCE SCHEME

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 81907, 19 December 1906, Page 2

OUR DEFENCE SCHEME

A CITfZKN ARMY. POIU'LAKIKIN'G THE UNITOEM. LIHEKAI, INDUCEMENTS TO VOLUNTEERS. Per Press Association. Wellington, December 18. After detailing the duties of the various members of the Military Council, Sir J. G. Ward said tlmt to Till the vacancies caused by General Holiin and Colonels navies and Webb Inking up their new positions to<day, the Wellington district would be offered to Colonel IJauchou, now in Christcl; urcli, and the latter district to Colonel Hawkins or Colonel Ab-

bott. Both these gentlemen are at present in private life. Major Joyce, of the Permanent Department, would » have command of the Nelson district, and Colonel Wolfe would be offered Auckland. The position of stall' officer to the Adjutant-General would be offered to Captain Keddon, but he did not know whether it would be accepted. The Chief Clerkship to the Department of Defence had been offered to Mr Graham, who already held a responsible position there, and the Director of Stores would be Mr O'SulUvn.ii, who bad carried out the duties with complete satisfaction. These changes would cost comparatively little compared with what the Government bad 'been spending, and be was persuaded in the end they would be. more economical.

The Premier, on the general question of defence, said the Government intended to supply a certain amount of ammunition free and more at halfprice, and for every company there would be it King's licit for competition. There, should be a special m\U tary day when these trophies aro competed for. If the citizens chose to supplement these belts they could. The Government also wanted to encourage rifle clubs, and build up a body in every locality to act as a reserve force, it was proposed to do away with camps and give a portion of the money for daylight parades. Men within ten miles of centres would have greater facilities for travelling by rail. Miniature rille rangers would be established in every part of the country. He did not believe Parlia-i mart would begrudge money for a, fully-equipped volunteer service toi protect our homes and country.

The Premier mentioned that tho vacancy caused by Major Joyce's promotion would be filled by Captain JlacDonald, Mayor of the Hutt, who was their host that night. Pending appointment of an Imperial officer, Colonel Webb would act as Second Military Member. The following are some of Hie pro\ posals of the Government to induce. recruits to join the volunteers:— Ollicers, except of mounted rifles, who'require to be mounted on certain parades .to have, .tho cost defrayed. ' ,■;

To send two officers Home or to In-' dia for experience and instruction each alternate year. Government Departments to gives facilities and encourage their men to take an interest in volunteering and encourage use of the uniform. Ollicers who served in Africa to lie! induced to attend classes in order to keep up their, knowledge. An increase of civilian privileges to. all of the active first line. Exemption from juries and inquests. Militia reduction foes or free attendance nt a technical school. Free railway passes up to ten miles and to induce train companies to) carry men in uniform, for any dis-, tanco for a penny. Registration of employers who will give facilities to employees to train. Call of personal payments for day-t light parades. Ollicers and men must not be out of pocket aa well as giving U]i their time. Four days at Easter, or other suitable time, to be service under tho re- A gnhitions, and pay accordingly. , f It is also suggested that as there', are / compulsory labour and ..qtjher Holidays, there should be coiupulsV'ry holidays for. volunteers to training. ■ > , .