LORD KITCHENER’S VISIT

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 7019, 6 January 1910, Page 6

LORD KITCHENER’S VISIT

Very complete arrangements appear to have boon made in Australia by tho defence authorities to give Lord Kitchener an opportunity of reviewing the Forces in the various States ho visits. The programme,” if'such it may bo termed, was issued some time ago, the only alteration that . was necessary afterwards being to regard tho assemblage of the troops as for practical work rather than ceremonial purposes. Fiord Kitchener will leave Melbourne for New Zealand on February 12th. He is coming here for definite purpose, and wo should imagine it was .time the Defence Department woke up to the necessity of discussing the matter in such a way as to interest the whole of the volunteer companies in the distinguished soldier’s arrival. If Lord Kitchener is going to view .the troops in either island under service conditions they should know about it. There will be many things to consider and comprehensive arrangements to he made. Individuals will have to arrange for leave, transport will have to be provided, and so forth. It is no use leaving the thing to the last minute, and then having confusion and disappointment. Xf there are to be “ Kitchener Camps ” hero as in Australia they should he planned on a scale commensurate with the object in view. It" will never do to have little provincial musters scattered about the country, for these would he an irritation to everyone concerned. * Some definite scheme of mobilisation should bo carried out as an instruction to officers and men, and, perchance, as an indication to Lord Kitchener of the capabilities of the department to concentrate at a given spot. IVhatover the: plan it is proposed to follow may be, the main thing is to let the troops know about it and have ample time to make their private dispositions in advance.