THE DEFENCE FORCE

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXVIII, Issue 8290, 19 September 1903, Page 1

THE DEFENCE FORCE

By Telegraph.

(From -Our Own Correspondent.) Wellington, .September 18. General Babington's report on the defence force is a very interesting, practical, and informing document. It is clearly the work of a man who thoroughly understands what is required in war, and appreciates equally the local conditions, instead of the impossible ideal of former Imperial officers. It is a well-thought-out attempt to make the best of the material at* command under the financial and other conditions, xho force numb-era 15.,954 of ail ranks, a largo portion of which is efficient. Thedrill o 1 mounted and oismounted corps lias been made alike, so diat- men who can ride .can easily go from the infantry to the mounted branch. The schoolboy is doing good work, and cheaply and so well that tha General says he can always recognise- the officers of the school on parade. All ranks have now the magazine rifles. The garrison artillery has been made- into one regiment. The title of royal has been assumed with the necES-sary sanction. For the Permanent Artillery and engineers camps and camp equipment are strongly recommended. The cadet system is eulogised as the only possible substitute for conscription. Excellent suggestions abound in tlie report, and there is a- most commendable unity of idea throughout- Tiio report, indeed, shows evidences in every line of experience, of command in the fieid on active service. The General urges that the public should recognise the- importance cf the work done eo honorably and patriotically by the Volunteers. He advises the abolition of the elective system for the olHccrs, and thinks the unwillingness of employers to give their people leave should he met- by scats system of compensation—either that or the Militia Act for a week or so annually—for tho field training of the Volunteers is a vital necessity. He a!eo reccmuaer.'ds a retiring aYlowtuice for tW superior officers, whose impminno aw not be ovrrrated, and whose eaxioYivms-nts are suclv Vuat. it is impossible for them to saw money. He states with regret that most- of Ins recommendations of last year were not given effect to.