MINISTER FOR DEFENCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 February 1916, Page 5

MINISTER FOR DEFENCE.

COWERTS A BOROUGH CQttNCt^ By Telegraph,—Press Aeseciation. ©unedin, Yeiterday., The Minister cf Defence annouaMd that the Secretary of State for tse Colonies advises that the Army Counlil highly appreciates the action of the Zealand Government in creating the N«j» Zealand Army Division with the necih sary reinforcements. The Minister points out that the crofction of the division will not involve general increase. Although an increue will be necessary for the Infantry l , thsre will be a decrease in other units, making the result regarding requirements prta tically similar to the present needs. ■ It is understood that no official information has been received as to th«j N'ew Zealand force having landed at nika. The St. Kilda Council, who receftijy, declined to take action in the new recruiting schome, on the ground that Voluntaryism was worked threadbare Mus that compulsion was necessary, reconsidered the matter last night, when the Council wa» addressed by the Minister of Defence and decided, after learafog the new facts, to pledge themselves to give every assistance to the schentoespecially as the Minister seif, If tlie voluntary scheme were Ufa successful, to retire from office if coil* pulsory service does not become law. |