OUR DEFENCE FORCES.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2281, 28 August 1908, Page 2

OUR DEFENCE FORCES.

THE ANNUAL REPORT

[Special to “Times.”] AVELLINGTON, August 27. The report for the year ended 29th February, 1908, by the Council of Defence, was presented to Parliament last night. The report states that -as it lias been decided by the Government that the present system (voluntary enlistment and without pay) is to continue, the attention of the Council must be devoted to endeavoring to obtain a higher standard of efficiency under that system. To do this it -is absolutely necessary that means may be devised whereby the whole of the field force shall do as much work as possible by daylight ,n the field, the larger units (regi- > meats and battalions! being brought together as often as possible, -and the various -arms of which the force is composed- working together more frequently tliap. at present. In order chat all officers, and especially those of the higher ranks, may obtain some knowledge of their work it is the intention of the Council -to so revise the regulation governing the earning of capitation and payment for daylight parades that this object may. be'attained. Attention is also to be devoted to encouraging ex-volunteers ro join reserve corps, to the affiliation of reserve corps and rifle clubs to existing volunteer -units, .and the payment of capitation or pay for daylight work to such members of the above as actually turn out for field work with -the units to which they are affiliated. A Promotion Board will be established to deal with promotions above the rank of captain' (this course is followed in England and Australia). The Board will consist of the Inspector-General, the officer commanding the district, and the senior commanding officer of the arm of the service to ,which the officer whose promotion is under -consideration belongs. The Council also strongly recommends for earnest consideration the question of the -establishment of a school on the lines of that at Kingston (Canada) for the training of future officers, civil engineers, and surveyors. The Council recommends that- -to the rank and' file greatcoats be supplied, and units receiving an issue of greatcoats to have 12s per year for three years deducted from capitation. Field service uniforms to be -maintained out of cipitation, but dress regulations must be adhered to. Arms, accoutrements, water tins, haversacks, mess tins, waterproof sheets, nose -bags, and liead-ropes for mounted rifles to be a Government issue. Uniform of Officers.—That each officer, in addition to capitation on passing for his commission, be granted an annual personal bonus so long as he remains efficient, as follows: Lieutenant £2 10s, captain £5, major £7 10s, and lieutenant-colonel £lO, for -the maintenance of his uniform, upkeep of his position, etc. ; to include officers of defence cadets. That a Board of Selection be set up in each district which will. select and forward, names for the approval of the Council of Defence when vacancies .are open for promotion, preference by right to bo given to officers or non-commissioned officers in the forces, provided -the Board is satisfied before .recourse is made to selection from outsiders. A list to be opened where gentlemen desirous of becoming officers may register and receive preliminary training, from which list the Board may select, when necessary to go outside those .at present serving. If election must be adhered to, the Board of Selection should approve of candidates before they go up for election. Efficiency of Officers.—That all officers bo required, in order to draw the annual allowance before mentioned, to be tested every three years, failing which they will be placed on the reserve list. Officers on the reserve list failing to- maintain their efficiency to the satisfaction of the officer commanding the district to be placed on the retired list. The age limit of officers and rank and file .as per regulations to be adhered to. It is stated that there is much yet to be done in the “field force,” regiments and battalions at present being so nearly alike, squadrons and companies do not seem to voluntarily give that allegiance to their corps necessary to insure the true regimental and battalion spirit. It is admitted that the training of a force is by squadrons and companies, but in war units must bo administered and operate under regimental organisation. AATiat is not practised in peace must fail in war. Thus, the various divisions, regiments, and battalions require truo reorganisation. As such the enrol- . ment in reserves is disappointing. In regard to rifle clubs, it is stated that •attention must be given to them in the way of simple training to make them more efficient reserves. The organisation and affiliation to volunteer corps would facilitate matters. The enrolled strength of the forces is 19,947. It is . expected that little, if any, change in drills will bo made for a considerable time, so that from now forward there will be general uniformity of work -in the training throughout the Dominion. No attempt is being made to turn the force into a mere drill machine, the simplest movements only being necessary to enable officers to lead their commands in tlio necessary tactical formation to occupy the position required where the full aucl best effect of field gun or rifle fire can he obtained, and good shooting will do the rest. Assuming that the function of the Dominion forces is primarily defence, the instruction given to officers is that based on defence with the use of 'fy//A counter-attack. It i s hoped that in the near future an infantry officer in- .- structor will ho available who will take special charge of musketry instruction and musketry practice in our tactical scheme of defence. Good shooting is of the greatest importance, lhe target, practice course has this year been framed to give more ,lat-i-. tilde of officers in the training of their men. in Intelligence information is furnished to the'AVar Office, London, where the work liasbeen much appreciated. The interchange of intelligence with the AVar Office is of tile greatest value to New Zealand, and would immediately become apparent if trouble arose. 'lt is intended to establish, if possible, a/ smalt nucleus of an army service corps, more with a view to training than to create a general establishment, ;