NATIONAL RESERVE OFFICERS

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2443, 23 April 1915, Page 6

NATIONAL RESERVE OFFICERS

Sir, —Will you' allow me to inquire through your columns on what basis, the Central Executive Committee of the Wellington National Reserve make their selections for the higher appointments? Is a position filled by a man with every qualification for that position, or is the choice dictated by any personal consideration? If the latter, then-1 am afraid that in a few months' time the National Reserve move, nent will degenerate into. a farce, in so far as Wellington is concerned at any rate.

1 think it may be conceded that the object- of the National Reserve is to form an efficient second,line-of defence, and if we 1 are to -become a really efficient force—onei that the Defence authorities can regard with confidence —it is essential that every officer and noncommissioned officer should be absolutely the most capable man available. Personal considerations alone should not count. The Central Executive, could nominate men for various positions, . but such nominations should go before the' various" sections'," and if confirmed by them the appointment could be made temporarily subject to the nominee satisfactorily passing an examination on his capabilities for the work within one after such temporary ap-' pointmeut is made. I am not writing this letter with any personal animus, but solely with the object of drawing attention to our defects, so that these may be remedied and the Wellington National Reserve become a body of men of whom the City may be proud. I should like to see the Central Executive take a little more live interest in "the" various sectional parades, and the Defence authorities might help by holding instruction classes for officers and non-coms, occasionally—l am, etc., THREE NOUGHT THREE. Wellington, April 21, 1915.