ARMY REDUCTIONS

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 277, 19 August 1944, Page 6

ARMY REDUCTIONS

Surprising Results Reported FUTURE POLICY AWAITED

The readjustment of the strength of the Army in New Zealand is stated to have reached a stage where, comparing today’s position with that of this time last year, or in 1942, surprising results have been achieved. Considerable effort is still being made by those responsible for Army administration to reduce personnel to the bare minimum required to carry out present-day responsibilities and commitments.

It is understood that if the Army could be guided by a clear definition of policy regarding its future responsibilities and. activities, their present programme of reviewing, remodelling and reducing existing establishments could be implemented and expedited. Undoubtedly this would result in the speeding-up of the future reorganization and the consequent release to industry of persons whose services under existing conditions, are still essential for the efficient discharge of the Army’s extensive and varied responsibilities. There has been no official statement on the readjustments, but when it comes it is believed that those who complained of the size of the Army within New Zealand once the critical period passed will be agreeably surprised. The general impression is that, having due regard to the maintenance of efficiency, no time is lost in returning to civilian life men who have their old jobs awaiting. With -others the demand for workers of all types creates no hardship in readjustments. A return to civilian life of considerable numbers of men must have its beneficial effects on the national economy They again take their places in industrial or commercial life when they are most needed and resume their role as taxpayers. The cost of maintaining the Army within New Zealand becomes much less and the national, social security and income taxes purse is swelled. The reductions so far effected have not been made overnight. The Army has been on this'job many months.