DEFENCE REDUCTIONS.

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 17402, 13 March 1922, Page 5

DEFENCE REDUCTIONS.

STATF AND PERSONNEL CUT BY 1055. One of tho most favoured targets when the question of retrenchment/is discussed 13 the defence system. From enquiry, it appears (says the "Dominion") drastic retrenchment has been effected in the Defence Department, the duties of -which are stated to be still more extensive than in pre-war days. Taking the Royal New Zealand Artillery, for instance •, Before the war tnis branch numbered 315, and to-day Has been reduced to. 100, all of whom are permanently enlisted soldiers. This arm of the service has to instruct the Citizen Army (ttie Territorials), and the artillery units, provide the technical personnel for the care of and maintenance of the electric lights and artillery armaments lor coastal defence, and smadetachments are located all over the Dominion wherever artillery or Territorial units exist. .Most of the reduction has been met by absorbing the men into Fhe ordnance section. . In 1919, the ordnance section numbered 532, and ha 9 now been reduced to 100 There are ordnance depots at Auckland, Trentham, and Burnliam, while a bmall detachment is at present at FeuthiTstdn, which is being temporarily • used *as an ordnance depot it can be demolished and proper provided in the Auckland' district. This branch was instituted during the war, its chief duty being to take • charge of, and account for, the equipment and issue tp the. troops of military stores. The civil staff, .which stood at 520 in 1919, has been reduced to 95, Altogether the total reduction in personnel works out at 1055, as compared with the 1919 figures, ? .. .. == 7;'/"