THE DEFENCE FORCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 January 1921, Page 5

THE DEFENCE FORCE.

A MODIFIED SCHEME. SOME OFFICERS TO RETIRE. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. The Defence Minister stated to-day that a modified scheme of organisation and administration o-f the defence forces had been approved by the Government, and it is to be initiated forthwith, with a view* to securing the greatest possible economy consistent with efficiency. The Minister regrets it is necessary to retire a number of officers, some of long service. The permanent force for the future will consist of a minimum number of lightly trained officers in thd Staff Corps and the Royal New 'Zealand Artillery necessary to carry on the administration and training of the Territorial Force.

The retiring officers will be selected on strict impartiality, primarily on a basis of war records. The Government has endeavoured io compensate officers on the most favourable terms possible, the minimum compensation being three months’ leave on full pay and a month’s pay for each year of service with the department. The Government will pay superannuation in the case of all officers within 3| years of their qualifying period, granting them leave until the retiring age of 55 years is reached, and. in the meantime the Government will pay their superannuation contributions.