EXCHANGE OF DEFENCE OFFICERS

Press, Volume LXX, Issue 21085, 9 February 1934, Page 5

EXCHANGE OF DEFENCE OFFICERS

♦ I COMMONWEALTH AND NEW j ZEALAND Pir.si u.-outiio* it!.LGf;iu,i ; AUCKLAND, February 8. A further indication of the close cooperation now existing between the Commonwealth Government and the New Zealand Government in defence matters is contained in an announcement made by the Minister for Defence (the Hon. J. G. Cobbe) that Major N. W. McD. Weir, General Staff Officer for military training in the Dominion, had received orders to sail for Australia by the Monowai for military work in Australia. In turn the Commonwealth Government will detail an officer holding qualifications similar to those held by Major Weir for service in New Zealand. The Minister stated that the sending of Major Weir to Australia was in conformity with the policy of extending wherever possible the close liaison existing between the military forces of the Dominion and Australia. The Government had concurred in the proposal of the Commonwealth Government that an interchange of officers should take place during the present camp training period in both countries. Mr Cobbe said that no advice had yet been received of the name of the Australian staff corps officer who had been selected for duty in New Zealand, but information was expected within the next few days about the interchange of officers for duty. "It will be a distinct advantage to the military forces in New Zealnad," said Mr Cobbe. "It will be of value to compare the training results obtained and methods employed in a larger force raised under somewhat similar conditions to those pertaining in the Dominion." Major Weir's Career Major Weir was born in Christchurch and educated at the West Christchurch District High School, and after leaving school attended the Royal iviuitary College of Australia from 1010 to 191'?. At the outbreak of the Great War he joined the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, and served on the western front until he was wounded in 1916, when he was invalided back to New Zealand. He v.'as engaged in instructional duties at the Trentham and Featherston military camps untjl 1919. Major Weir was then appoined staff officer of Regimental District No. 12, InvercargiU, which position he held until 1926. He then served in a similar capacity as staff officer in charge | of No. 5 Regimental District, Wellington, from 1926 until 1931. He was appointed general staff officer of the Central District in 1932, and now holds the position of general staff officer of militiry training at general headquarters. He expects to be in Australia for three months.