GENERAL RICHARDSON.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17297, 22 October 1919, Page 8

GENERAL RICHARDSON.

VIEWS ON DEFENCE MATTERS.

LARGE POPULATION NEEDED.

REPATRIATION BOARDS PRAISED.

Defence matters were discussed by Bri-gadier-General G. S. Richardson, general officer in charge of Administration, after his arrival in Auckland yesterday. He said that his visit was just an ordinary one, in connection with the Department. He smiled at the suggestion which was made public that the visit concerned the loss of equipment from the annexe, when that institution was under the control of the Hospital Board. The statement that he was to inspect ordnance referred to the fact that he would be on an ordinary board, which would deal with the 'writing off and disposal of old and worn ordnance stock. This was always done from time to time to get rid of rubbish and make room for new stock.

Questioned as to the new system of organisation, General Richardson said the chief concern of the Department was to clear up the ' immense amount of work connected, with the demobilisation of the troops. " The man in the street has no idea of the work involved," he said. "We are concentrating upon the return of soldiers to civil life, as quickly as possible, and until that job is dealt with all other matters, including the re-establish-ment of the territorial system, must take second place." At the same time he indicated that he believed attjfo'.utely in the need for defensive preparation, and there is little doubt that when the work entailed by the war is overtaken, he will throw himself into the work of making whatever training system is in vogue as efficient as possible. The general is not disposed to say all that is in his mind about future possibilities, but his frank belief in territorial training and his support of a vigorous immigration policy to people these islands show that he agrees with those who at present would rather " trust their own strong right arm than the as yet untested League of Nations." Asked as to how he considered his friend "the Digger" was faring generally. General Richardson replied that he thought that the people of New Zealand did not yet realise their full obligations to disabled and unfit men. He referred particularly to those men suffering! from chest, heart, and nervous troubles. " The disabilities of such cases are not always apparent, and for that reason there is a danger ot their not receiving the sympathetic consideration to which they are entitled," he said. "At the same time, I must say I have been tremendously impressed with the work that the repatriation boards throughout New Zealand are accomplishing. The boards are composed of able men, who are sympathetic toward the soldier and most anxious to help him back to civil life. We have to remember, however, that there are large numbers of men under hospital treatment, and many of them will be there for a long time."