DOMIN DEFENCE.

Mataura Ensign, 28 January 1911, Page 6

DOMIN DEFENCE.

REORGANISATION OF FORCES. OTiSGO AND SOUTHLAND. , DUNEDIN, Jan. 27.. This evening Major-General Godley met some ; of :the leading citizens of Dunedin and subsequently talked with officers of the garrison. Afterwards commanding officers were met, this conference dealing particularly with the reorganisation of the forces of. the district. . As a result the following reorganisation was decided upon lor Otago and Southland: — One regiment of mounted rifles with headquarters at Dunedin and squadrons at Dunedin, Oamaru, Ranfurly, and Clyde: and -Arrowtown (combined). One regiment of mounted rifles with headquarters at Balclutha or Clinton; two squadrons about the line of Clinton, Balclutha or Milton, one at Law-; rence and one at Tapanui. j One regiment of mounted rifles with! headquarters at Invercargill, squadrons at Invercargill, Wyndham, Rivei'sdale and Otautau. ■An infantry battalion at Oamaru; three companies at Oamaru, one each at Duntroon, Hampden, Palmerston, Cromwell and Alexandra. One complete battalion of infantry at Dunedin. One battalion of infantry with headquarters at Milton, companies at Milton;. Mosgiel, Stirlinpv Balclutha, Lawrence, Owaka, Clinton and Tapanui. One infantry ! talion at Invercargill; three companies at Invercargill, ! one each at Bluff, Gore, Winton, Colac Bay 'and Riverton combined, and Orepuki. A second field battery at Invercargill. Cavalry and field ambulance at Invercargill. Infantry signal company at Dunedin. Mounted signal company at Oamaru. The present field battery and infantry field ambulance will remain at Dunedin. As a result of inspection of the defences and very careful consideration and consultation with senior local officers and his staff Major-General Godley decided that it was necessary to amalgamate the two companies of garrison artillery locally into one with headquarters at Port Chalmers. The strength of this company will be decided later.