THE DEFENCE OF NEW ZEALAND

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22465, 28 July 1938, Page 12

THE DEFENCE OF NEW ZEALAND

* STATE OF FORCES REVIEWED ANNUAL REPORT TO PARLIAMENT “DEFINITE PROGRESS MADE” [From C . Parliamentary Reporter.] WELLINGTON, July 27. The scheme for the reorganisation of the Dominion’s land defences is reviewed by Major-General J. E. Duigan, Chief of the General Staff, in his annual report on the military forces of New Zealand, which was tabled in the House of Representatives to-day by the Minister for Defence (the Hon. F. Jones). After summarising the most important measures taken during the last year for the improvement of the defence system, the report states that the changes were not approved sufficiently ’ early to stimulate interest before the annual camps, or to increase actual attendances at camps and week-end training. However, the view is held that definite progress has been made. “A vigorous publicity campaign is assisting recruiting and stimulating public interest,” the report continues, “and the iccruits now coming forward are of good type and physique. An analysis of the territorial system in England and Australia, wnich is similar to our own, leads me to the conclusion that it would be over-opti-mistic to expect more than 9000 men of the right type to fill the ranks of our organisation in peace under a system of voluntary enlistment. Units constituting a mounted brigade and an infantry division have been provided for >r the organisation, and can be expanded to their war establishment should national emergency necessitate this action. The staff has been concentrating on the training of leaders to allow this expansion to take place, and satisfactory progress has been made. “Gaps ,Must Be Filled” “If the force is to reach a reasonable degree of efficiency,” says the report, "gaps in the ranks of the units must be tilled, and the attendances at annual camps must reach a high percentage of the numbers provided for. “There are several very important recommendations affecting the efficiency ot the military forces nowunder the consideration of the Government dealing with pay allowances and amenities. If these measures arc approved, and the present system is given whole-hearted support by ail -actions of the community, there is no reason why all units should not reach a satisfactory standard of efficiency. In England whole-hearted support has been given to the territorial force, and the attendances at annual training have been very satisfactory, reaching as high as 30 per cent, of the establishment I can see no reason why the same result should not be attainable in New Zealand. It can be attained by the will of the people. In the past our land forces have not had this support’' The section of the report dealing with training states: “The attendance at camps has again been disappointing, the numbers attending being 433 officers, and 2092 other ranks, a total of 3125 of all ranks, or 41 per cent, of the strength. However, 670 officers and 38U other ranks carried out at least six days’ continuous training in camp, or at a course of instruction, maid’< a total of 4231 of all ranks, or 50 per cent, of the strength. There has been a distinct improvement in the attendances at week-end training.” The report states that the cadet units, which are all associated with secondary schools, have maintained a high standard of discipline, drill, and physical training during the year. It is held that the new syllabus of training, which includes first aid, is more important to the youth of the Dominion than a knowledge of elementary gunnery and the handling of automatic weapons. “It is in our secondary schools that the foundation of discipline should be laid,” General Duigan adds, “and I know of nothing better vhan close-oider drill and ceremonial to foster this essential in the youth •it our country.” Appendices to the report show the strength of New Zealand rcuUlary forces as at May 31 this year as follows; Regular Forces Officers .. .. 95 Officer cadets .. ... 20 Other ranks .. .. 395 Total .. .. 510 Territorial Force (Active List) Officers .. .. 745 Other ranks .. .. 6367 Total ~ .. 7112 In addition, there are 797 bandsmen and 52 prospective recruits in regimental cadet detachments. Special Reserve (Territorial Force) Trained .. .. 413 Posted to territorial units 153 Posted to regular forces 63 Cadets Officers .. .. 353 Other ranks .. 16,642 Total .. .. 16,995 Rifle clubs, 151, have a total membership of 5321,