DOMINION FORCES

Greymouth Evening Star, 18 May 1938, Page 7

DOMINION FORCES

MINISTER’S PROGRESS REPORT MODERNISATION PLANS [PEB PRESS ASSOCIATION.] DARGAVILLE. May 17. “The question of defence has been raised from time to time, and various' statements have been made by certain people, who have been endeavouring to create the impression that the Government is not doing its duty to the people of the Dominion,” said the Minister of Defence (Hon. F. Jones), in an address at Dargaville. Mr. Jones said that the Government was in constant and close communication with the British authorities. It must be recognised that much of the information received was secret, and could not possibly be released. The Minister described the development of naval activities, and said that there were a. number of other questions now under review, which would he raised for early consideration by the Government. They included: — (a) The introduction of a more progressive policy for (lie training ol naval reservists. (b) The provision of suitable craft for local defence in times of emergency. let The establishment of an instructional centre at Auckland, enabling a reduction in the number of men at present being sent to Australia for higher training. td) Naval barracks to be built to take the place of the old training vessel "Philomel." The Minister added that the Naval Defence Estimates had been increased from £462.000 in 1935-3 G Io £032.000 in 193 G-37, and to £700.000 in 1937-3 S. “\Ve have, in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve." he said, "an enthusiastic body of young men. who tire rendering a useful service. In the event of an emergency, they can be employed in mine-sweepers, anti-submar-ine vessels, and on an armed merchant cruiser. Steps tire being taken to further improve the efficiency ot this force, which at present numbers about six hundred men." The Minister surveyed the Government’s programme, for air defence, in the course of which he said that orders have been placed for five twinengined Airspeed Oxford aeroplanes, for the training of the personnel, and for carrying out survey work. etc. Two machines would arrive within a few weeks, and the balance at intervals within three months. The Government had also ordered thirty Vickers Wellington aircraft for the operational squadrons at a cost. , ineluding equipment, of £750.00P. The Wellington aircraft was the latest type to go into production, and had a great range and load-carrying capacity. The aircraft would be flown to New Zealand as soon as the stations were readv to receive them. Orders had been placed for the immediate supply of ammunition for bombers, also for spare parts for the machines, and other spares.

TERRITORIAL Alli FORCE A squadron of the Territorial Air Force had been formed at Wellington, and the formation of Territorial squadrons at Auckland. Christchurch and Dunedin at a cost of £lOO.OOO had been approved. Approval had been given for an increase in the pet manent personnel of the Royal New Zealand Air Force from 130 in 193 a to 900, which will be the strength ol the Force in 1940. when accommodation will be available for this increased number. To date, the increase in the permanent personnel was such that the Force to-day consisted of seventythree officers and 439 airmen, exclus ive of the Territorial Air Force. “The progress made," said the Min ister, “will be shown on June 4. when the Governor-General will inspect de tachments of the Air Force and wit Mz-ioc- n rioTYinn mi ion ot its trninint!

methods.” . t Mr. Jones said that definite progress was being made in connection with the trans-Tasman air service, and an announcement will be made on this subject shortly. The Minister quote dfignres relating to expenditure on aviation (both service and civil) during the last ten years. These showed increases from £29,000 in 1927-28, to £353,000 in 193536,’and to £5G7,000 in 1937-38. Referring to the land forces, Mr. Jones emphasised that the adequacy of the Territorial Force was not to be estimated under the present day conditions by the number ot men composing it. He strongly appealed to, employers to do all they could by assisting in encouraging young employ-

ees to undergo military training. Mechanisation had been taken seiiouslv in hand, and the Government, expended this year £15.000 on Armj type vehicles which formed a transport pool in each district. With the important exception of the lioisemounted rifle regiments, the mobile force might, therefore, be said to be fully motorised, and, in a short time, it would be well on the way toward being mechanised. l»y that means, it became possible to provide quickmoving units with numerous machine guns and rifles in each district, capable of dealing with attacks outside of the main ports, and 1 supporting the fortress troops- if necessary.

ADVICE FROM LONDON The organisation would also enable the necessary expansion’ to be undertaken, should such a step be required. The Army authorities wore kept closely posted by the War Office, London, respecting all developments in modern equipment, and the Government was spending considerable amounts in providing armoured machine guncarriers, Bren light machine guns, new pattern mortars, more wireless sets, and additional anti-aircrait and coast defence equipment. The delivery of these new weapons was naturaliv governed by the re-armament programme in England, but a .propoition of them, and the requisite ammunition, would be available this year tor training. The cost of undelivered stores oi dered from Britain and Australia by the present Government amounted to some £250,000, the Minister said. The Government was giving a lead to employers generally by granting 1 public servants who were members of the Territorial Force, twelve days’ leave each year on full Departmental pay, in which to carry out military training. The difficult problem of camp training would be solved if every employer would give at least ; six days’ leave for the purpose, and more- if possible, for the district courses of instruction. The present strength of the Territorial Force was

of whom only 40 per cent, had attended earn]) this year. That was not a satisfactory attendance, am, Ute Government was anxious to In Ing about a marked improvement. 'Die Minister concluded by explaining the co-ordinate functions of the now Council of Defence, and its subsidiary body, the organisation tor National Security.

COMPULSORY TRAINING. DUNEDIN ADVOCACY. DUNEDIN, May IS. In a lengthy discussion by the Chamber of Commerce, on defence, all the speakers more or less decided in the opinion that some form of compulsory training was necessary. Resolutions were passed affirming the ui'gency of the matter, the Cham--1 or pledging itself to support loyally any measures to make defence more secure, even if such involved compulsory training.

Mr. W. R. Chapman. Vice President, of the Junior Chamber, which had passed a resolution unanimously, that compulsory training was essential, and that an Imperial Army officer be given command, free from Government supervision or interference. Stated there was no doubt the army of defence had deteriorated, and the Government appeared to have lost interest. Probably 50 per cent, of the force would not pass the physical test, 25 per cent, would not be fit for higher rank than a sergeant, while the remaining percentage would make only mediocre privates.

A suggestion by Mr. A. C. Cameron was that there should be three months’ unbroken training in the first year, six weeks in the second and third, and the training to be completed between the ages of 17 and 21.