THE NEW MILITARY SCHEME.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 357, 7 April 1910, Page 4

THE NEW MILITARY SCHEME.

Lord Kitchener mentioned to Lord Plun- | ,ket that he was of opinion that there I was no finer military material in the world than in New Zealand. As the Field-Marshal is the highest authority in the Empire, this seems to be a unique compliment. There is no gainsaying the fact, however, that because of lack of system the best effect has been unobtainable. The scattered nature of commands has had something to do with it. Incompetent heads may have helped to inefficiency, political objection to the schemes of competent officers has certainly been a bar, and lack of battery, troop, company, section, file, and individual teaching has been the chief factor in the failure. Under the old system it was absolutely impossible to get the most effective and expert volunteer officers, not because the officers did not do their best but 'because the selection of officers- wias in the hands of the men. It is most creditable to the forces, however, that men generally select officers who may be made good leaders if they themselves are properly led and taught. The majority of officers desire earnestly to learn, and have taken every opportunity to do so. The new scheme, if it is faithfully carried out, will give more expert aid to the individual. The teaching of young officers in the best schools of the Army is the best step the Government has ever taken in the matter of defence. And it is to be hoped that under the mew Territorial scheme there may be no such thing ns influence outside the Department, and no pushing of incompetents into high places.