H.—l9a

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current year of transition on the old regulations, and the new regulations could be.made available at an early date. All lads attending secondary schools and colleges, and classed as Senior Cadets, are now being trained. The extension of the training to the Senior Cadets who have left school will be put into operation as soon as the officers and instructors, before referred to, are available to organize same in the areas to which they may be posted. To enable members of Parliament to fully appreciate the situation, I am sending a copy of this report 1o each representative, as also to the Press, in order that they may be fully conversant with its contents. I would add that although some time is sure to elapse before a scheme such as that recommended in Field-Marshal Lord Kitchener's report could be put into effect, there would appear to be no reason why everything should not eventually work for that homogeneity which is absolutely essential if the defences of this portion of the British Empire are to be placed on a satisfactory basis. J. G. Ward, Prime Minister and Minister of Defence.

LETTER BY THE FIELD-MARSHAL VISCOUNT KITCHENER TO THE RIGHT HON. THE PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTER OF DEFENCE. Dear Sir Joseph Ward, — Auckland, 2nd March, 1910. I do not think that it is necessary to write you a special memorandum on the defence of NewZealand, as from what I have seen during my inspection the necessity for improved training is just as equally marked in this country as it is in Australia. It appears to me that for your land forces New Zealand and Australia should adopt homogeneous military systems, in order to be able to efficiently support one another in the event of national danger. The desirability of such co-operation is evident by reason of the geographical position of the two countries. Moreover, the young men of New Zealand and Australia, though showing some markedly different characteristics, are, in both countries, splendid material for creating a first-rate fighting-machine, for the conditions of their country life are very similar, producing successful pioneers, accustomed to make the land supply the wants of men. I think, therefore, that uniformity in training and establishments of units, as well as the closest ties of comradeship, in the armed land forces of New Zealand and Australia should be fostered in every way. These considerations point to New Zealand sending those cadets destined to be instructors of her citizens to the Australian West Point College, which I have recommended that the Commonwealth should institute, and which, I believe, they are about to establish. It is quite evident that the wants of New Zealand in this respect are not sufficient to create a college where training of the nature required can be properly imparted. This will be seen from the fact that, working on the lines suggested for Australia, a suitable number of areas for New Zealand would be about fifty-five— i.e., approximately thirty in the North and twenty-five in the South Island. Areas should, of course, provide the same quotas as are recommended for Australia, and it follows that the permanent instructional officers required for area work alone would be —fifty-five subalterns and captains, and six majors. The thirty permanent officers now employed with the Permanent Forces, and District and Headquarters Staffs, will also be wanted. I should therefore recommend an eventual establishment for the New Zealand Staff Corps of v hundred officers, being the ninety-one accounted for above, plus 10 per cent, to allow for the deputation of officers to train with units in India and the United Kingdom, sickness, &c. By ranks, this establishment would work out at : Colonels .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 3 Lieut.-colonels .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 6 Majors .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 13 Captains .. . . . . . . . . .. .. .. 2(> Lieutenants .. . . . . .. . . . . .. .. 52 Total ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ .. 100