DEFENCE EXPENDITURE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 4846, 18 April 1918, Page 6

DEFENCE EXPENDITURE.

THE INQUIRY

Press Association Telegram. WELLINGTON, April 17. Before the Defence Expenditure Commission to-day, ex-Colonel H. b. Forsyth, of the Australian forces, gave evidence that as a result oh ms experience in London and Cairo, he thought the bulk of the 16 weeks training given in New Zealand was an absolute waste of time. All the training the men required beloie embarking could be given m a month. His idea was that work on the transports should be carried out by men trained for the purpose. On the subject of returned soldiers, witness said his idea was that after men were discharged the duty of the Government should be to put them back into the walks of life which tliev had left to go to the front. Ti'ere the Government responsibility should cease. The Government was absolutely courting disaster by PUtfcinrr on 'the land men absolutely unfitted for it unless trained! for such occupation. He thought that ioi the voyage home a soldier slioum foe given two suit's of dungarees, so tint at the end- of the voyage his uniform proper would be Jn good order, and it would be better tor returned men to be kept on fatigue work at camps, thus rehevmg recruits from a great deal of that kina of work. ’ .' The Chairman: They are dtomg that in New Zealand. Captain J. O. Hill, m charge of military police and wharf guards in New Zealand, said that great difficulty was being experienced in getting suitable men for military police. He suggested! that for wharf _ guards they might utilise the services or young men nearly of military age. A training depot for military police was badly needed. •