LORD KITCHENER’S TOUR.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2709, 13 January 1910, Page 5

LORD KITCHENER’S TOUR.

CABLE NEWS.

THE FIELD-MARSHAL’S VIEWS.

A NATIONAL ARMY FOR

AUSTRALIA

UNITED PllKHfl Association —CorYlllOHT

MELBOURNE, Jan. 12

The Federal Ministry entertained Lord Kitchener at dinner at- Parliament House. Lord Chelmsford presided, and there was a distinguished gathering.

Mr Deakin, the Premier, said he was convinced that before Lord Kitchener left he would have summed up the element of the defence problem in such a fashion that we may at least feel our foot lias found a right and straight path. Under his guidance wo hope to essay that organisation of land forces which will couple their development with .those of the naval strength. Lord Kitchener reiterated that he bad been much struck with the very strong and widespread determination existing in Australia for an efficient citizen force. The want of population was a difficulty to bo carefully considered, but they were possessed of firstrate material whereon to work. In no other country in the world did the young men show such natural qualifications whereon to build a military career. A great deal of the training that in the ordinary course was necessary to obtain an efficient soldier was already part of tlieir daily life. He advised the careful preserving of the excellent natural characteristics of young Australia. He urged the importance of establishing a high-class primary military educational system for training officers. There was no reason why the national forces of Australia should not make their standards of efficiency on a par if not higher than those of the military powers of Europe and elsewhere, but thej 7 could not expect immediate results if they aimed at a. high ideal. Time was necessary for new methods to take effect. During the transition period they would have to devise means to gradually secure improved organisation without interfering with its development. After giving a warning against unnecessary expense he declared that if it was thoroughly done he did not think a national army, organised on sound lines, need bring an undue strain on the financial resources of the country. After the dinner to Lord Kitchener Sir G. H. Reid, High Commissioner, roused much merriment by announcing that he had intended to propose a scheme of national defence, but Lord Kitchener had intercepted him at every point.