UNION'S CITIZEN ARMY

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 14853, 2 December 1911, Page 7

UNION'S CITIZEN ARMY

A SOUTH AFRICAN PROPOSAL.

TRAINING ON SWISS SYSTEM.

By Telegraph.— Association.— Copyright.

(Received December 1. 9.45 p.m.) / Capetown, December 1. An important Defence Bill has been prepared by the Union Government. It is modelled on the Swiss military training system, and will entail a cost of £300,000 in addition to the present cost of defence and police. The first line will consist of 2500 permanent mounted rifles and 25,000 of an active citizen force, aged from 17 years to 25. r The second line will consist of citizens aged. 21 to 45, who have been trained and have learned the use of the rifle.'. . - The third line will be the national reserve, aged from 17 to 60, who will be called out in case of grave emergencies only. Citizens reasonably required for defence will be trained. The training will consist of as many night drills as are required for recruits for the ranks, plus eight to 15 days continuous training annually. The remainder of the citizens will have rifle association training in addition, on paying £l yearly for 24 years. It is not proposed to establish an elaborate military college. Coloured inhabitants are not included in the scheme. A ballot will be arranged for if the citizen force proves inadequate.