7

H.— l9

The election of company officers by coips is still continued, and I continue to most strongly condemn this system. Apart from its evil effects on discipline, it does not secure in many cases the most suitable men for the position of officers, and corps suffer in efficiency in consequence ; there are too many cases in evidence to admit of doubt on this point. Seventy-three Volunteer Service Medals have been awarded during the past year. Lectures by Officers Commanding Districts have been attended with good results ; this is especially the case in Otago District. With a staff in existence the benefit of the instruction will be very much more accentuated ; at present Officers Commanding Districts have little or no time for this work. I would again most strongly urge that steps be taken to put the Defence Force of this country in a fit state for service. Coalitions cannot all be foreseen, and the balance of power may be upset without warning. The question of the mastery of the Pacific is daily becoming a more momentous one ; vast interests are involved, and the protection of New Zealand will not be the only matter England will have to consider when complications arise. The whim or interests of any party or individual should not be allowed to influence the question of national security; the risk of displeasing a few is a very small matter compared with that of disaster to a country. :"■■ Vt present the colony is in the position of an owner who is paying a comparatively large sum for an insurance policy without having taken the steps necessary to render such policy secure. It would be well for the country, too, were it more generally in sympathy with its deserving Volunteer defenders. I. M. Babington, Major-General, The Hon. the Minister of Defence. Commandant of New Zealand Defence Forces. Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, not given; printing (1,925 copies), £3 10a.

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