DEFENCE REDUCTIONS.

Northern Advocate, 15 March 1922, Page 2

DEFENCE REDUCTIONS.

STAFF AND PERSONNEL CUT liY 1055 One of the most favoured . targets when the question of retrenchment is discussed is the defence system. From inquiry, it appears that drastic retrenchment has been effected in the Defence Department, the duties of which are stated to be still more extensive than m pre-war days. Taking the Royal New Zealand Artillery, for instance: Before the war this branch numbered 315. and to-day has been reduced to 100, all of whom are permanently enlisted soldiers. This hrm of the service has to instruct the Citizen Army (the Territorials), and the artillery units, provide the technical personnel for the care of and maintenance of the electric lights and armaments for coastal defence, and small detachments are' located all over the Dominion wherever artillery or Territorial units exist. Most of the reduction lias been met by absorbing the men into the ordnance section. In 1910, the ordnance section numbered 532, and has now been reduced to 300. There are ordnance depots at Auckland, Trentham and Br.vnharn. while a small detachment is at present ;it Featherston, which is being temporarily used as an ordnance depot until it can be demolished and proper depots provided in the Auckland district. This branch was instituted during the war. its chief duty being to take charge, account for the equipment and issuo to the troops of military stores. The civil staff, which stood at 520 in 1019, has been reduced to 95. Altogether the total reduction in personnel works out at 1055, as compared with the 1919 figures.