DEFENCE “CUTS”

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 11325, 1 October 1930, Page 5

DEFENCE “CUTS”

PROPOSED SAYING OF £57,200 AIINISTER OUTLINES ECONOAIIES SURPLUS STORES TO BE SOLD OFFICERS ELIGIBLE TO BE SUPERANNUATED REFORM WANTS! INDICATION OF POLICY . AMENDMENT TO VOTE ON ESTIMATE (Press Association.) . AVELLINGTON, Sept. 30. In tho House of Representatives to-day, consideration of tlio estimate of £2-75,000 for tho Defence. Department was resumed in Committed of Supply. The Hon. AY. D. Stewart drew attention to the fafit that the total expendituro of £332,000 was first sot out followed by tlio item “less £7200 to bo saved by economics to bo effected.” He . asked what, form these ceono,inies woiihl take. It was not fair to ask the llouso to.sign a blank cheque in this respect, because it might be found that tlio economies actually effected. would be contrary to tlio wish of tlio House. Air Slewart also ;mkcd what were the Alinister’s plans in relation to defence generally as the result of the defeat of the Defence Amendment Bill. The Hon. J. G. Cobbe replied that the estimates had been written down by £57,000, but it was. not possible at the present juncture to give ibe exact manner in which every £ of reduction would be made. A statement would bo made later in the session in regard to the defence policy. Air Barnard pointed out that no grant had been made for the annual meeting of the National Rifle Associa tiou. JJe understood that tlio Alinister had increased supplies of ammunition to members of rifle clubs. Mr Cobbe said it was just possible that a small grant would be made to the National Rifle Association if it could bo spared. At the present juncture, however, he could not definitely say. Supplies of ammunition had been increased to members of rille clubs, and this action had proved very popular. He believed that ns the result of increased grants of free ammunition, the membership of rifle clubs would be increased within a- few months.

Air Stewart .asked whether the Minister could define the position im regard to boys going to England to join the Air Force. He bad heard that several young men had boon stranded as the result of taking this course. He had been, informed • a-• they went Home with the approval of the New Zealand Government, but he scarcely believed that cotiid be -correct.

Air Cobbe said youths going Homo to join the British Air Force did so on their own account-. The Government recently issued a- warning that young men going from New Zealand were unlikely to obtain employment in the service when they reached there.

Tins Leader of the Labor Party asked for a statement of the position. as it now exists, as to tlie possibility of a- volunteer organisation. Tt was known that under the law the Government had power to suspend compulsory military training, but lie would like to know if there was any authority to organise a volunteer force.

Air Cobbe said there was nothing to slop volunteers from training, but ho pointed out there was uu allocation, for camps. If tlio -young men' went into camps it would be at their own expense. Owing to the fact thatr the Defence Amendment Bill had lost its way, it was not possible for tho Government to spend money on any volunteer organisation. Tlio most tho 'Department could do would be possibly to lend them some aims,; uniforms and ammunition.

Replying later to a further query as to how tlio £37.000 was to be saved, Air Cobbe said lie was not in a position to give the exact detail:;, at present. Ho mentioned, lion ever, that it was not likely that the fell number of highly-paid officers would bo retained.

In reply to questions as to what would be the effect of economies on the staff, the Minister made tlio following statement

‘‘The suspension of compulsory, military training will have the effect of considerably curtailing the normal work performed by the Department. This reduction will be more marked in some sections than in others, and in order to ensure that the maximum economy will he- obtained, steps arc being taken to adjust the organisation to the altered conditions. “Ouo measure of reorganisation entails the conversion of the Pay and Ordnance corps and general duty sections from a military to a civil basis. These branches were formerly civil establishments, but wore given military status during tlio war. The effect of this conversion, coupled with the- suspension of military activities, will enable the Department to release a number of men who will, wherever this course will bo practicable, and as vacancies arise, bo absorbed into the general service. The salaries of those retained will bo adjusted in order to bring them into conformity with the ordinary civil rates of pay. These matters are under consideration by the General Officer Commanding, tlie Secretary to the Treasury, and and. the Public Service Commissioner. Caro will be taken in order to avoid creating hardships wherever possible. . ' ; , . ,

“Substantial stocks, of military stores must be held, and some personnel will be retained to keep them in a proper state of preservation.', Anything which may. he regarded as . surplus to. the minimum requirements is, however, being 1 sold to’th© best possible advantage. • . ' "However it will be possible’ , to reduce ;...tlie.' permanent 'training staff - is hot yet -determined-, but as

a. preliminary measure all officers and other...ranks,who are qualified

for , retirement under the special provisions of. the Public Service, » Superannuation. Act are being placed on superannuation.”

ArtNISTEIiIAL PROMISE NOT

SUFFICIENT

Mr Stewart, and the Leader of the Opposition again asked tho Minister to give the House an indication of the general lines of tlio Government's policy in regard to defence. They contended that tho House should ho in possession of such statements before the estimates wore passed. . / ...

Air Cobbe said that-within a few days a measuro would bo introduced which would have a bearing on the Government’s intentions in this respect-, find tho House would t-lien have a full opportunity of discussing the position. Air Coates said ho gathered from tho Minister’s statement that another Defence Bill was to he brought down.

Air Cobbe: “Tho provisions may bo in the Finance Bill.”

Air Coates, continuing, said lie Was not satisfied that tlie Estimates should bo passed until tlio Hon so was iu possession of tho details. 110 therefore moved that the total voto should be reduced by £lO as ait indication 'that the House should bo sujppliOd with a statement showing in what- way it was proposed to provide for 'tho- future.

AMENDMENT REJECTED Air AVaitc (11.) asked the- Minister whether an adequate supply of gasmasks was being maintained. He declared it would be grossly unfair to the young men of New) (Zealand if, should this country again be plunged into war, it were found supplies of gas masks were inadequate. Tho Afinjster said' the necessary supply was provided for training purposes. (Tho expense of gasmasks and ‘tho conslaUit changes in their design made it inadvisable to obtain a very largo number.

A division was then taken on (be Leaded of ,the Opposition’s amendment,; which was rejected by 44 votes to 23 and the vote was passed.