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Evening Post, Volume 32, Issue 32, 6 August 1931, Page 11

, (OMtlniMtf trtm first eolamn.) ■maa with the military training should be in supreme control,"and he would like to know'the .Government's reasons for appointing a civilian to take charge o* the Defence Forces. He did not think the Government could Treasonably; claim that it had brought about econ. omy by adopting the t Volunteer system. Beplying to the discussion, the Minister, of Defence said it was gratifying to find that there were no real argumenta against the proposals in. the Bill. In reference to Mr. Waite's remarks, he said that there was no need for pcs« simisnt, for recruits were coming in particularly well, and he believed that all requirements would be forthcoming. Mr. ■ Gobbe said he regretted very much Mr. Waite's reference to the Under-Secre-tary of Defence. That officer (Mr. Tur. ner) was formerly- Assistant Public Trustee, one of the highest positions in the Dominion, and he was brought inta the Defence Department to look after the business side of things. Although .as XTnder-Secrejjiry he received exactly, the same a» tho officer commanding, by; certain transactions 'and by suggestion* he had made he would more than pay; his salary probably for the nest twenty; years. He was one of the best invest* ments'made for some considerable time. In reply to Mr. Barnard, Mr. Cobbc said that the alterations proposed m the Bill were so slight that it was hardly worth while taking up the time ofl the Dofenco Committee. Mr. W. .T. Jordan (Labour. Mauu* kau): "You have never approached the Committee about anything.'* - Mr. Barnard: "Why not take advantage of the brains and . experience of others?" ' CONFIDENCE IN EMPLOYERS. The Minister said he felt sure that employers would rise to the occasion when Volunteers went into camp Mr. Barnard: "What will the Govern, ment do as an employer}" ' Mr. Cobbe: "The Government is going to offer every encouragement to those m the Public Service." He de-' precated Mr. Kyle's reference to "pothunters," and said that the Volunteers had'a record they slight well be proud of. In conclusion, he said there was a provision which enabled the Department to reduce the age at which mea were "compelled to go into the reserve, with the idea of making room forj younger men should any large number] $k» BUI was read tinta, -j