DEFENCE FORCES

Evening Post, Volume CIV, Issue 29, 3 August 1927, Page 10

DEFENCE FORCES

PUBLIC INTEREST RESTORED

REVIEW OF G.O.C.

In reviewing the efficiency, training and administration of the New Zealand Defence Forces, the General Officer Commanding (Major-General B Young) says in his annual report that the past three or four years have been a very difficult period. It was perhaps inevitable that, following the universal feeling of exhaustion produced by the efforts of the Great War, a veiy natural reaction and public apathy towards further defence expenditure and requirements should ensue.

General Young says that public interest in the efficiency and welfare of the field forces, and a general recognition of the necessity for continued defensive measures, has gradually been restored, and has had a most marked and beneficial effect not enly on the esprit de corps and general efficiency of all arms and services, but on tho in dividual interest and enthusiasm of all concerned.

The net expenditure out of Consolidated Fund for defence purposes, including aviation and assistance to rifle clubs, for the year ended 31st March was £.493,273.

The strength of the Territorial Force as at 31st May last was 22,483, the Senior Cadets 34,159, Permanent Force 524, Bine Clubs .(members) 43C0 (J. 56 clubs). The Territorial Force as a whole has made a distinct advance during the year, and advanced field work has-been carried out, the Jesuit developing the command, control, and initiative of leaders, more particularly in the junior officers, warrant, and non-commissioned officers, besides increasing the individual interest of all ranks in their training. . HIGHER TRAINING. After commenting on the increased public interest being taken in the Territorials, General Young says that it would now be possible to undertake brigade training and combined operations, but this is not intended, as such higher training would interfere unduly with commercial and industrial life by taking all men of military age in a command into camp at the one time. The increase in population, and the trend of youth to the main centres has resulted in city units becoming well over strength and growing unwieldy, the Ist Battalion, Auckland Eegiment, being 500 over strength for instance. The sound way of keeping the strength of units within establishments is the formation of new units, but General Young says he cannot recommend this owing to the increased cost, the money being required in other avenues. The i Director of Medical Services has drawn up a higher standard for the Territorial Force, and this it is hoped will keep city units within their required establishments and also result in higher efficiency in units.

The question whether mounted rifle regiments should carry Standards has been referred to the Army Council for decision. "Up to the present they have not^ enjoyed this privilege. p Cadet training has progressed very favourably throughout the year, but there is still a shortage of suitable officers in many Cadet units.