THE DEFENCE POLICY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17255, 3 September 1919, Page 8

THE DEFENCE POLICY.

COMMANDANT'S PROPOSALS.

SHORTER TRAINING PERIOD. \

ADVISORY COMMITTEE NEEDED. [BT TELEGRAPH.SPECIAL REPORTER.] WELLINGTON, Tuesday. The report of the general officer commanding the New Zealand forces for the yeai ending June 30 was laid on the table of the House of Representatives today. During the year every effort was made in carrying on the territorial and senior cadet schemes in such a manner as to meet the shortage of labour. The experience gained proved that a more concentrated period of training at the ages of 18 to 20 inclusive, instead of extending over the period from 18 to 25, was very desirable. The condensing of the present seven years' training obliga- i tions into three years would, the report states,, prove much more economical and convenient to industries and pastoral affairs.

. For the development of policy for the future the. formation of a representative defence , committee, directly advisory to the Government through the Minister for Defen<jp ; to study sea, land, and air strategical problems is suggested. Other possible functions of such a committee would be the collection of strategical information and its consideration in relation to New Zealand, for the transmission of advice to the Government, the freeing of the commandant and administrator of the forces to concentrate upon training and administering the forces, assisting in continuing the principles of co-ordination in regard to defence matters, continuing the policy initiated during the war of co-ordination with business firms and producers to ensure supplies and transport in any future mobilisations, and ensuring direct economy in respect to all services both in peace and war.