THE DEFENCE POLICY.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLIII, Issue XLIII, 3 April 1909, Page 2

THE DEFENCE POLICY.

The Premier dwelt nt considerable length with the defence policy, for bringing about a national system of defence, so that boys from the time of going to school until they reach the ago of 21 will receive a thorough military training. It was also intended to make provisions for rifle ranges from one end of the Dominion to the other, and to supply rifle club members with free ammunition to the extent of 250 rounds. Other matters of tho defence of the Dominion were dwelt upou. including the offer of a battleship to the Motherland, which offer was nut made on the impulse of the moment, nor was it actuated by jiugoism. In the. comes of his 6peech at Upper Hutt the Premier sa_<T"that it i* generally known that the Government has been engaged in reviewing the position of the public services throughout the Dominic^ and indicating important changes The Premier expressed strong conviction of faithful services rendered by officers and staffs of tne various departments throughout the Domini_n. Tho age limit had brought about many of the important changes "There are other circumstances which call for readjup^ment and reorganisation to a considerable extent in many departments. It is easy for critics to declare that the depart ments have been overmanned duriiig a long period of prosperity .The tendency in that direction naturally '.lifts, which is unavoidable. The rap'd increase in business in the public sen ico calls for increase from tim« to time to meet the extension caused by the growth of trade. It applies to some new departments. The time has arrived when the public demand has to a laige extent been met, if not over-supplied. For instance, the consolidate! revenue in 1903-4 was £7,021,386, and in 1907-8

it was £9,055,946, without any in "rase of taxation. It should be remmubf.". d that 25 per cent, increase in the pradv.ated land tax imposed last year will come into force this year. For the 'im time our revenue during five) years has increased by over £2,000,000, and the expenditure during the same period rose from £6,434,381 to £8,213,965, an increase in round figures of £1,800,000, and excess of revenue over expenditure for 1907-8 was £841,981. Since then the effect of remissions df taxation has amounted to about £500,000. We cannot expect to have much balance available for contributions to the Public Works Fund as in the past. As to 1908-9, the whole figures were not yet nvailable, but we must expect a largely reduced balance to carry forward to the coming year."