N.Z. DEFENCES

Hokitika Guardian, 11 July 1935, Page 2

N.Z. DEFENCES

CRITICISM OF SYSTEM. MINISTER’S REPLY. WELLINGTON. July 9. A statement was made to-day by the Minster lor Defence (the Hon. J. O'. Oobbe). in reply to criticism of the defence system, which was described by former army officers in Dunedin as beiiig “in an emaciated state.” These officers had expressed general dissatisfaction with the present system-

“Those views.” said Mr (Jnbbe, ‘‘give a .somewhat erroneous impression of the state, of tlie Dominion's defences raider the Voluntary training system. Tilt strength of the territorial forces at the present time stands at 7o per cent.,'of its establishment, which, in ■view of 1 he difficult financial conditions saddling the Dominion, cannot .be regarded as other than very satisfactory. It is admitted that in some instances the attendance at camps and parades is not all that could bo desired; But on the other hand many units have had better attendances than ever before. The present economic conditions have a good deal to do with the matter, as employers in many eases are averse from granting leave to to attend camps .rind j bivouacs. “Another reason is the seasonal occupations ia which many of the

men are engaged during the camping season, although every endeavour is made by the Defence Department to meet their convenience in arranging dates for training camps-”

“As to the machines with which the Royal Now Zealand Air Force was being equipped, the Minister said th'nt these had been selected oil the advice of competent, authorities, anti, having regard to the funds available I'-or defence, were considered to be tile best to fulfil the-Ho-rn i n ion’s vicqu i rements. “The demands ol economy in all .'state expenditure,” added the .Minister. “have resulted in a-'considerable reduction in the Dominion’s defence hill for the last four years; hut it is (onsiilercd that good results have Been obtained for what lias been spent. No doubt had the funds at the disposal of the Government been larger, the defence of the Dominion could have beep maintained upon a. more costly and elaborate scale; but I doubt whether the taxpayers of the country would have submitted to that.”