DEFENCE STAFF

Evening Post, Volume CII, Issue 138, 8 December 1921, Page 9

DEFENCE STAFF

A QUESTION ANSWERED. ,

Recently Mn M'Callum (Wairau) asked the Minister, of Defence—(l) Whether he would state the reasons why his Department employed two generals on the staff, whereas prior to the war there was only one? (2) Whether he would state the reason why a number of officers in the New Zealand Staff Corps who had seen a number of years' service, we're retrenched, whilst others appointed recently were left on the strength? (3) Whether he would state, why there were. more senior officers employed at the present time than was the case, before the war? ■ ■ ■; The Hon. Sir E. H. Rhodes (Minister of Defence) replied yesterday: (1) Prior to trje war the establishment of the staff at General Headquarters included one major-general, one colonel, five lieuten-ant-colonels, four majors, two captains, and four lieutenants; ' total seventeen. At 'the present time the establishment is: One major-general, one brigadier-1 general, four lieutenant-colonels, two, majors,: threy cap.tains, and one lieuten- j ant; total twelve;. reduction five. The officer now holding the appointment of General Officer in Charge of Administration was promoted to substantive rank of brigadier-general during the war. His present salary and emoluments are lew than previously drawn, by the colonel • whom he superseded. Therefore the fact that there are now one major-general and one brigadier-general on the staff, as compared with one major-general and one colonel prior to the war, does not constitute an increase! in expenditure. On the other hand, the present establishment is far more economical, and the retention of the two officers referred to is necessary iii the interests of economy and efficiency. (2) In the selection of officers for retirement, due regard was given to the need for economy and the interests of the service. It is true that some .officers who had seen a number of years' service wore retired, while others more recently appointed were left on the strength, but tne latter had in practically qvery case ibeen selected for retention on account of having an excellent record of war service. (?) Fewer senior officers are now employed on the staff at General Headquarters than prior to the war. —