GOOD WORK.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 162, 10 July 1940, Page 8

GOOD WORK.

THE WAR COUNCIL.

DEFENCES OF N.Z.

FULLEST INVESTIGATION.

REVIEW BY MR. FRASER,

(By Telegraph. —Parliamentary lieportcr.) WELLINGTON, this day. The wide scope of subjects considered by the National War Council was described by the Prime Minister, the lit. Hon. P. Eraser, in an interview to-day. All its recommendations having been approved by Cabinet, the neccj. sary action, said Mr. Eraser, had either been taken or was in the process of being carried out. Referring to what lie termed "the good work and helpful recommendations of tho Council," Mr. Eraser said it had given very close attention to all matters referred to it, and had, indeed, been given the fullest opportunity to investigate every aspect of the country's defences. Many recommendations< lwd been submitted "to Cabinet, but a number, which were of a secret nature, could not, of course, be disclosed. Siome, however, were of public interest. The others were routine matters of interest to those responsible for the administration of various portions of the war effort.

Supplies For Britain. Cabinet approval had, for example, been given to the recommendation that, wherever it was possible or desirable, Xew Zealand should supply to the United Kingdom any surplus clothing, and other equipment locally produced for use in the equipping of United Kingdom forces. Another recommendation endorsed was that the fortress battalions should, if-possible, do their final month of training in camp, and that any deficiency in the numbers required for these battalions should be made up by accepting ex-territorials. Should circumstances permit, it had been agreed that, following the completion of a tliren months' course, the future training programme of the territorial forec should consist of one full day's training per month, 14 days' camp per annum, and the firing of the prescribed musketry courses.

The formation of mounted rifle units for hilly country operations was approved. It was decided that recruitments should be confined to married men between the ages of 23 and 55, and to single men 'between the ages of 45 and 55, preference being given to returned soldiers, cx-territorials, members of rifle clubs,- and deer stalkers.

Another recommendation that voluntary enlistment for Xew Zealand naval forces be allowed to continue for normal, long servicc, as well as for other requirements which might be approved by the Minister of Defence, was also agreed to. Rerogistration of Rifles. As a result of another recommendation, the reregistration of all rifles and revolvers is to be immediately undertaken.

Tlio subject in the list of topics discussed bv the corticil revealed, continued Mr. Eraser, the thoroughness with which tlio council was attending to its duties. These topics included: — The training programme for officers and men of the Secoifa Expeditionary Force. 1

The supply of clothing and equlpmeiit to military forces.

Tho supply of small arms and ammunition, as well as ammunition of other calibres. Fuel oil supplies and reserves for the three services. Arrangements for the medical treatment and hospital care of siek and injured members of the forces. 'Iflio utilisation of canteen funds. t The programme of training and incidental matters connected with the houui defence, forces. "vv

Tho air training programme and negotiated matters, such ns personnel, tlic supply and training of a coost-watchiflg organisation, and tho action taken by tlio Government regarding vital points; tho consideration of units required in ■mobilisation, the naval programme and the incidental matters of supply, .personnel and munitions; the treatment of aliens, tho registration of firearms, rifles and revolvers; tlio progress of the JTeiv Zealand mission in Australia, and cooperation with Australia. Tho council has also reviewed tlic action taken by the Government concerning the training programme of the Expeditionary Force and home defcJicc forces, the measures taken to provide preventive medical treatment, supply arrangements for tho Air Force., an educational programme in connection with the air training scheme, the steps taken for the protection of vital points, the action taken since the outbreak of war to deal with enemy aliens, and the measures taken to deal with subversion. A number of other matters had ail been endorsed. "Vigorous Oversight." "The War Council is maintaining a vigorous oversight of the national war effort." said Mr. Fraser, "and. composed as if; is of representatives of all sections of the community, it will, I ain sure, continue to render very valuable service to the Dominion and to the Government."