The New Defence Act.

Lake Wakatip Mail, Issue 2786, 27 September 1910, Page 5

The New Defence Act.

In moving the second reading of the Defence Amendment Bill in Parliament last Thursday Sir Joseph Ward said that the object of the Bill generally was to give effect to Lord Kitchener's proposals by amending the principal Act. The Commandant of the Forces would be substituted for the Defence Council. The Commandant would be responsible for the training of the forces and the care of all stores and property belonging to the Defence Department. Officers would be appointed on a system of selection. Stipendiary magistrates and justices of the peace in various districts would be entrusted with the registration required by the system. Exemption would be made of those physically unfit aud the officers of junior cadets; those who were the maiu support of those depending upon them ; those couvicted of crime or those who have a notoriously bad character. The reserve would be composed of officers and men of over 25 years who had left the territorials. With certain exceptions the term of service in the reserve would be five years. The Bill extended the age of compulsory service from 20 to 25 vears in accordance with Lord Kitchener's recommendations. Under the Bill a number of men in various ages would be increased. The general effect of the Bill was to increase men liable to serve from 30,600 under the present Act to 75,096. From that number one third might be deducted as being exempt. In 1916 officers would amount to 40.374 (sic.) Of 18 to 19 years—men not selected for the territorials—there would be 30,000 in for 1916. Rifle club men, who now numbered 3,414, would be greatly increased. Senior cadets numbering 4,109 would be increased to 35,000. He proposed introducing an amendment to tbe permanent boy scouts, allowing them to wear uniform, and continuing to be known as scouts ; but coming under the training of senior cadets, while having the option of continuing scout training. Unless this was done scouts would be able to evade the training required. Under the education system, experience had shown that it was not desirable to overtax a cadet with physical exercises, and his training would be preparatory to entering the territorials. Sixty-four hours' training would be equivalent to ■ixteen days' discipline, and would be extended to bring officers under the military law. Provisions would be made for a Judge Advocate-General being appointed to preside at Court Martials. This officer would be a man of high legal training and military experience. The scheme would involve an outlay of L 300,000 for the first year; L 350.000 the second, and L 400.000 for the following years. During the period of transition tbe affairs of each unit would be gone into with a view of with their liabilities. He believed that the best course would be for the Dominion to take over the assets of the various volunteer corps. He had proposed this last session, but the House did not agree to his suggestion. He considered that the whole scheme would be well under way in 1913, and should be completely established. He deprecated the idea of universal military training, which would inevitably cause a reaction, resulting in a breakdown. Under the Bill no man was expected to go into camp without receiving the equivalent of a day's wage. The expenditure in connection with the salaries of officers and men would amount to L 99.000. Camp expenses would bring the total up to £157,000 per annum. The sum of L 30,000 yearly would be required for uniforms for the territorial forces, which would be obtained in the Dominion. He estimated that about 4000 men would be required for the territorials yparly ; 10,000 would be available, aud, estimating exemptions at at 50 per cent., that would leave 5,000 men—l,ooo more than required. He said that in 1912 the territorials in training would amount to 25,000, ?.nd senior cadets to 35,000. In 1916 the territorials, and those who had passed through the reserve would amount to 40,375. From the general training section there would be taken 5,000 a year amounting to 20,000 in 1916. This would make a total, drawn from the three sections mentioned, of 105,375. Referring to officers' salaries, it was not possible for the Dominion to pay those recommended by Lord Kitchener lor senior officers. *