"THE PHANTOM ARMY."

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1296, 27 November 1911, Page 4

"THE PHANTOM ARMY."

AX OFFICIAL KEJOINDER. In a district order, which will be published in Christchurch to-day, LieutenanlColonel .1. T. Burnett-Stuart, Oflicer Commanding tho Canterbury Military District, makes some reference (o the allegations of delay which were recently published in the Christchurch "Evening News" (and also in Tiie Dominion) under (he heading of "A Phantom Force." Tho order states :— "Instructions havo been already issued to the effect; (hat. for the present, train-, ing is to bo confined to the instruction of officers and non-commissioned officers, and tho holding of voluntary parados for serving men and such newly-posted men and cadets as may wish to attend. This will give ample scope to the energies of all concerned. The Oflicer Commanding tho District particularly desires that all officers and others should appreciate the fact that the organisation of tho Territorial Force has not yet reached the final stage which will permit of the training being satisfactorily and simultaneously commenced, under the new conditions. In a month or so's time tho itineraries of instructors ivill bo fixed, programmes of parades will be issued to all, uniforms will be available, and trained quarter-master-sergeants will bo at their posts to arrange for its issue. "Tho Officer Commanding tho District is aware that there is a feeling ot disappointment abroad because the Territorial Foreo scheme lias not developed more rapidly. He wishes to say that ho does not share this feeling, which is due to a failure to appreciate, both tho great amount of preparation that is necessary before such n scheme can be finally launched, and the vital importance, of laying a sound foundation in the shape of an organisation which can be trusted to support the training. ]fo therefore does not intend to insist on tho attendance of any newly-posted men or cadets at drills until he is satisfied that the organisation is sufficiently complete In meet all contingencies that aro likely lo arise, and to ensure proper instruction and attendance. As soon as tho arrangements are completed, instructions will be given lo start the training. "In reviewing the work of tho last ton months, the Officer Commanding tho District, bqth in that capacity and in his capacity as an officer of the General Staff at Headquarters, is himself conscious, not of any senso of disappointment, but of surprise and relief at the amount of progress that has been made. This satisfactory result, is duo in a great measure to the help and support which those responsible for the organisation havo received from serving officers, non-commis-sioned officers, and men of what is now the Territorial Force, lie is sure that this support will continue, and that a closer study of the slate of affairs, both as it is now and as it was a year ago, will lead to n truer appreciation of tho situation and tho continued exercise of patience."