DEFENCE FORCES STRENGTHENED

Evening Star, Issue 21708, 1 May 1934, Page 3

DEFENCE FORCES STRENGTHENED

MORE ATTRACTIVE MEASURES PAY AND RATIONS FOR PARADES AND GAMPS [Per United Press Association.] AUCKLAND, April 30. The officers and men of the Territorial defence forces are to benefit greatly from the adoption by the Government of plans to strengthen the forces which have been formulated by the genera) officer commanding the New Zealand Defence Forces (Majorgeneral Sir W. L. H. Sinclair-Biirgess). Particulars of the plans decided on were made known by the Minister of Defence (Mr Cobbe) while addressing the Auckland Officers’ Club to-night. The men of tho coast defence batteries will be required to spend a longer period in camp on pay and rations. Territorials on parade will receive pay for tho whole period of home training equal to that given for camp training. Additional week-end courses are to be commenced, for which rations and transport will be provided. Local authorities controlling tramway systems have been asked to consider granting Territorials travelling concessions. A serviceable pair of boots for use at drills and parades in cam]) will be issued to each Territorial. Sashes arc to bo issued, to sergeants and staff-sergeants of the infantry units, Commanding officers visiting the camps of other units are to receive travelling warrants and out-of-pocket expenses. The scheme provides also for the formation of certain new Territorial units, one additional platoon per rifle company to be formed and a mortar platoon to be added to each machine gun company. The Minister gave further details of the development of the Air Force, involving the purchase of aircraft of the latest design, the enlistment ,ot a specialist personnel for the maintenance of the machines, and the construction of hangars, workshops, and quarters for tlie men at the.two air stations at Auckland and Christchurch. The Minister said that the proposals would be shortly put into effect. “ Coast defences are to be strengthened,” he stated, “ by the purchase of new equipment. Anti-aircraft equipment is being obtained for the two larger centres. These additions will necessitate the formation of new Territorial units. That is unfortunate to this extent, that it will, increase the strain on the two larger cities already called upon to provide so many units. 1 have every confidence, however, that the men required will bo forthcoming. “It has been approved that the coast defence batteries are to carry out slightly more training than the rest of the Territorial force, the period being ten days in camp with rations and pay and the equivalent of a longer period of home training made up of evening and daylight parades. To encourage the attendance of Territorials at parades other than in camp the Government proposes to give payment for this work. It will be allotted m certain proportions to each evening and each daylight parade. Where men are available one additional troop per mounted rifle squadron and one additional platoon per rifle company may be formed in order to conform to the general organisation of the British Army. A mortar platoon is to be added to each existing machine gun company. “ There has been disappointment*' in not getting tho full strength of the units into the camps. 1 realise that this is largely due to economic conditions, but i would like to make a special appeal to employers-to assist us in every way they can, and particularly by giving leave for their employees to attend camps. ‘ ; As regards the Air force, the Government has not lost sight of the value of this branch of the service in the defence of the dominion, and has provided for a parallel increase in tho air arm. Two flights of bomber recomiaisancc aircraft have already been ordered. Aircraft will be used for co-operation with the coast defence batteries for extended seaward reconnaisance and for the defence of trade in local waters. . “The strengthening of the Koyal New Zealand Air Force will in itself enable the New Zealand Air force (Territorial) to be put on a more satisfactory basis/’ added the Minister. “In addition, provision has been made for the equipment of this branch of the Air Force with aircraft ot advanced trainer ’ type. These machines will enable all forms of service trainbig to be carried out. The machines are also eminently suitable for cooperation with military formations during peace training in the dominion.