ENGLAND S MILITARY REAFINESS.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXV, Issue LXV, 17 December 1913, Page 5

ENGLAND S MILITARY REAFINESS.

DIFFERENT OPINIONS.

*I CABLft- PBESB ASSOCIATION—COPYBIQHT.

-LONDON, Dec. 16. Lord Esher, as president of the London Territorial Association, complained that in the event of a general mobilisation every available horse would be requird for the Regulars and none would be left for the territorials.

Colonel Seely, Secretary for War, replied denying the statement. He said that 140,000 horses would be required for a general mobilisation, while the latest census showed that Britain has 460,000 suitable horses' wjhiich can be fe'quisitioned. Colonel Seely denied that foreign military purchases are detrimental. On the contrary, he said, they encourage the breeding of light horses for artillery use. Lord Esher replied that 518,794 horses and 151,781 mules and donkeys were used in the South African campaign. He is unable to accept Colonel Seely s comfortable assurances.