THE LAND FORCES

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 89, 12 October 1938, Page 23

THE LAND FORCES

MINISTER SATISFIED

(By Telegraph—Press Association.j

DUNEDIN, October 11

A statement that although the New Zealand Defence League had criticised what it called the deplorable state of the defence forces of New Zealand, one section of the league actually passed a resolution congratulating him on his policy with regard to land forces, was made by the Minister of Defence (the Hon. F. Jones), in an address tonight. The Minister added that during September 366 recruits joined the territorial forces. ; ''The New Zealand Defence League, f which claims to be a non-political body, has expressed alarm at what it calls the deplorable.state of the land forces," Mr. Jones said, "but it is an interesting fact that as recently as August last a meeting of the general commit-! tee of the Wellington branch of the Defence League carried this resolution: /That a letter be sent congratulating) the Minister of f Defence on his action in pushing forward the strengthening: ol the land forces of the Dominion.', '" The president and secretary of the branch wrote to me conveying that resolution." j The Minister said that the Govern-' ment was aiming at a peace-time j strength of 9000 territorials, and the: latest return showed that there were J • 666 officers and 7571 other ranks, a total J ©f 8237. shows that we will get the 90001 men we require," Mr. Jones said. "Wej have about 3000 men posted to the re- i serve, and'there are about 5000 mem-j bers of-rifle clubs. With the informa-! tion the Government has it is the best judge of what is required, and there is no need to • worry about the land force".