THE DEFENCE SCHEME.

Manawatu Standard, Volume 9116, Issue 9116, 12 January 1910, Page 4

THE DEFENCE SCHEME.

Next month will be a notable one in the history of the defence of the Dominion, since it will see the introduction of the new measure sanctioned by Parliament, and we will also be visited by Lord Kitchener, the Empire's leading military authority. Lord Kitchener's activity in the Commonwealth will prepare the local forces for a severe test, in all probability of quite an unorthodox nature. He seems to be exhibiting peculiar ability to search out the weak spots in a defensive system, and for this reason the local defence authorities are to be congratulated upon having his advice while bringing the compulsory scheme into operation. It is expected that preparations will be approaching fruition towards the end of February, and that at the beginning of March the new system will be brought into existence. Meanwhile the regulations incidental to the scheme are being framed, and as much is left to be provided for therein their publication is being awaited with interest. Tactful and wise regulations can make or mar the whole system, and it is to be hoped that they will contain a miniimim of irritating red-tape restrictions. The selection of suitable areas for permanent training grounds in the North and South Islands, respectively is now being made, and the erection of buildings will be proceeded with forthwith. In the matter of uniforms it is understood that only a plain service uniform, probably of khaki, will be required, but existing corps becoming merged in the Territorials will be permitted to retain any full-dress uniforms they may now possess. It is intended, however, that all arms of the defence force shall wear the same uniform, with the necessary variations in regard to the requirements of the infantry, mounted men, and artillery, but it is not anticipated that this absolute uniformity will be brought about much under the next three years. Meanwhile the usual capitation will be paid to enable corps to discharge existing liabilities in regard to cost of uniforms. Volunteers will be interested in their position under the scheme. As previously stated, upon the new Act coming into force, the volunteers will automatically become what are to be known as the Territorials. There will be no compulsion so far as the volunteers are concerned, except in the case of those under 21, who will be under compulsion to serve in the general training section. Any man over 21 will be at liberty to pass out of the force, and it is understood that full opportunity will be given all volunteers to consider which course they will adopt. As for the general training section, the compulsory division and the Dominion's future mainstay, it is not expected that it will be in full working order till next year. Time must necessarily >laps© while those between the ages

of 18 and 21 and eligible to serve are being registered. Subsequently, of course, the ranks of the section will be filled automatically by drafts from the senior cadets, who in. turn will be replenished from the junior cadets. The whole scheme is of such magnitude that it will necessarily be some time before. it-runs smoothly, but when once the machinery has been 6et in motion, it may be expected that, with careful, judicious management, the development of the Dominion's defence forces will proceed steadily, and that in a few years New Zealand will have a well-trained, efficient, soldierly force at its disposal.