H.—l9a

1910. NEW ZEALAND.

DEFENCE OF THE DOMINION OF NEW ZEALAND (MEMORANDUM ON THE).

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

C 0 NTENTS. Page I. Memorandum by the Right Hon. Sir J. G. Ward, P. 0., K.C.M.G., Prime Minister and Minister of Defence 1 11. (a.) Letter from the Field-Marshal Viscount Kitchener, G.C.8., 0.M., &c. (2nd March, 1910) .. ..2 (6.) Memorandum by the Chief of the General Staff, New Zealand, on the Proposals applied to New Zealand (prepared 10th April, 1910) .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..3 111. The Field-Marshal Viscount Kitchener's Memorandum on the Defence of Australia .'. ... ..20

MEMOEANDUM BY THE EIGHT HON. SIE J. G. WAED, P.G., K.C.M.G., PEIME MINISTER AND MINISTER OF DEFENCE. Wellington, N.Z., 10th May, 1910. As you are aware, Parliament daring last session passed the Defence Act of 1909, which effected many improvements in the system of defence which previously obtained in this Dominion. This Act made provision for the general military training of all young men up to the age of twenty-one, and for the maintenance of a Territorial Force of 20,000, all ranks. The organization necessary in this connection was proceeded with, the establishments prepared, and the regulations framed accordingly. In view of the fact that Field-Marshal Viscount Kitchener was due to arrive in New Zealand on the 17th February for the purpose of inspecting and giving his advice on all matters pertaining to the defences of this Dominion, it was decided to await his arrival before putting into operation the above Act. It will be observed that the Field-Marshal in his letter, copy of which is embodied herein, recommends that a system similar to that suggested for Australia should be adopted for New Zealand; and, with this object in view, it was decided to make the year 1910-11 one of transition of the Volunteer Force, under the designation of " Territorial Forces," introducing such organization and reforms as were consistent with the Field-Marshal's proposals, and as set forth in a memorandum by the Chief of the General Staff, New Zealand. To allow the new scheme to be put into operation it is now proposed to ask Parliament to make the necessary amendments, in order that the Field-Marshal's proposals and recommendations, in so far as they apply to New Zealand, may be given effect to practically in their entirety. A great deal has already been done in this direction : establishments have been issued ; subdivision of military districts into areas has been arranged ; twenty-eight additional officers and twenty-eight additional non-commissioned officers are being selected ; record-books and registration forms are in preparation; the service uniform has been sealed as a pattern; and orders have been given for a considerable supply of additional arms, equipment, and materiel to meet the expansion of the Force. Regulations for the Forces have been completed, but it is not intended to give effect to same until the amending Act, to be placed before Parliament, becomes law. There should be no difficulty in completing the

I—H. 19a.