IMPERIAL DEFENCE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2614, 23 September 1909, Page 5

IMPERIAL DEFENCE.

THE SPEEDY “SWIFT.” United Press Association—Copyright. LONDON, Sept. 21. The contingent British destroyer Swift has a speed' considerably over the stipulated 36 knots. Her speed exceeds that of any other British warship by three knots.

COMPULSORY MILITARY TRAINING IN AUSTRALIA. MELBOURNE, Sept. 22. The Defence Bill provides for compulsory military training between 12 and 14, to 18 for senior cadets, and from 18 to 20 for citizens’ forces. The citizens’ naval forces will be divided 'into militia, volunteers, and reserves, and the citizens’ military forces into active and reserves. It is proposed to limit the application of the compulsory clauses to the more populated areas at first. Employers preventing employes rendering personal service will be liable to a penalty of £IOO.

THE IMPERIAL GENERAL STAFF. (Received September 22, 9.55 p.m.) LONDON, Sept. 22. An army order has been issued, in substitution for No. 233 of 1906, concerning the details of organisation and functions of the General Staff. Any officer below lieutenant-colonel, who does not hold a staff college certificate, but is considered specially qualified for service on the General Staff in the field, may be sent to college for a year without entrance examination. Appointments to the British and colonal local staffs are to be made upon the recommendation of the General Staff, submitted for the Ring’s approval.

The “Pall Mall Gazette’’ says that the growth of the colonial armies will necessitate some modification, but for the present it seems certain that oolonial officers will welcome the idea, of graduating from the English Staff College.