3

1.—7

" (3.) In the event of any such transfer the corresponding unit of the Territorial Force shall, notwithstanding any trust, limitation, or condition affecting the property transferred, become entitled to the estate or interest in the property of the unit to the property of which the Order relates; but, subject to this provision, the interest of any beneficiary other than such unit shall not, without the consent of such beneficiary, be affected. " (4.) The Order may, if the Governor, having regard to the special circumstances of any case, thinks ifit, provide for the appointment of special trustees to act in regard to any such property, and such special trustees may be the existing trustees of that property." Resolved, on the motion of the Right Hon. Sir J. G. Ward, That clause 8 be recommitted for reconsideration. The Right Hon. Sir J. G. Ward moved to amend clause 8 by inserting the words " the same rank in " after the words " of officers of " in line 21. On the question being put, it was resolved in the affirmative. Resolved, That clause 8 as amended stand part of the Bill. Resolved, That clause 93 be recommitted for reconsideration. Resolved, on the motion of the Right Hon. Sir J. G. Ward, That clause 93 be amended by striking out the word "civil" in line 22, and inserting the word "non-combatant" in lieu thereof. Resolved, That clause 93 as amended stand part of the Bill. Resolved, That the Bill as amended be reported to the House, together with the reports of Colonel Robin and staff. The Committee then adjourned.

APPENDIX. Memorandum from A. W. Robin, Colonel, Chief op the General Staff. Sib,— Wellington, 9th December, 1909. I have the honour to forward Report on Defence Bill, as requested in your letter of the 9th instant. As regards subsidiary reports from officers on the staff here— Colonel Tuson is on leave to Sydney; Major Lascelles is not available this afternoon, not being expected on duty to-day ; Captain Richardson is in Canterbury District in camp with the Garrison Artillery; Subsidiary report by Lieut.-Colonel Chayior is attached herewith. Also please find attached copy of Defence Bill, with gist of what the regulations will provide for (marked in red ink in margin) for your convenience. Sir W. J. Stewaed, A. W. Robin, Colonel, Chairman, Defence Bill Committee. Chief of the General Staff. REPORT ON THE DEFENCE BILL BY COLONEL ROBIN. Section 12. The provision in the Bill for a small Council of Defence, with power to call in expert advisers, is a distinct advantage; such Council deciding on the policy, and the manner in which the policy is to be carried out by the General Headquarters provided for in " Powers of Governor." Section 5. Headquarters of Defence and District Commanders and staff is set up, which under the new Bill would include an officer or officers of the Imperial General Staff that it may be decided to employ. The above will necessitate the reorganizing of the present Headquarters on the lines of Schedule A attached. Such reorganization would not interfere with the appointments of Imperial officers now serving in the Dominion (see section 103) (viz., Colonel Tuson, Lieut.-Colonel Head, Major Lascelles). Colonel Tuson and Lieut.-Colonel Head would still continue their present duties; Major Lascelles would require to do staff duties under organization until expiry of his term of appointment. Section 14 (Commandant). There does not seem any necessity for the inclusion of the section "Duties of the commandant": the provision in section 5, (&), "Governor may appoint Commandant," should be sufficient. Section 15. The Permanent Force would under this Bill become more of an instructional force than a regiment of Garrison Artillery, and schools of musketry, gunnery, and communication for all branches of the Forces would be set up at each centre. Section 20. The Territorial Force allotted to each district would be composed of all arms, or as nearly so as possible under the local conditions; in conformity with Imperial establishments, and equipment; divided into Garrison Artillery divisions for forts and lights, brigades of Mounted Rifles and Infantry, Field Artillery and Engineers, Mounted and Dismounted Signalling Companies, Supply Columns for brigades, Field Ambulances, &c. Section 28. Regulations for training in the Territorial Force will include a period in camp for all branches. (See Schedule B,' " Proposed Training.") Generally, I consider the Bill a sound one. It provides for the training of youth through progressive stages up to the age of twenty-one, and sets up a force in the Territorials ready to take the field at short notice, with provision for augmenting same or filling up wastage from the Reserve. The provision for a Reserve of Officers will enable the full value of Officers' Training Corps to be felt in the course of a very few years. 9th December, 1909. , A. W. Robin, Colonel. Ineet»-I. 7.