THE COLONY'S DEFENCE FORCE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 12418, 30 July 1902, Page 6

THE COLONY'S DEFENCE FORCE.

GENERAL BABINGTON'S REPORT. (From Our Own Correspondent,) VfaLLINGTOX, July 29. General Babington, in liis first reflorfc on the Defence Forco of New Zealand, begins with a rcfevencc to the contingcntß that have gone to the war iu South Africa. 110 says 'it is a matter for congratulation that throughout the course of tho late war not only have these contingents greatly distinguished themselves on /moro than one occasion, but also that no "regrettable incident" has occurred in which .New Zealanders wero concerned.

Staff and Organisation.—'The organisation of the Defence Department as it at present exists leaves very much to lie desired. I submitted on the Bth February and the 17th_ June proposals setting forth what I consider essential for the systematic and economic administration of tiio forccs under my command. These proposals have, I understand, been submitted to the Government, and I await their decision. In the meantime, therefore, I am unable to refer further to them here than to say that they are framed to meet urgent- requirements both as regards efficiency and tho proper control of the expenditure of public money. Lack of organisation in peace time means inefficiency and expense, and in war produces but one result. Tho regulations require amendment, and recommendaticiiG regarding the same will bo submitted as time permits. Extra expense is at present incurred through the want of definite instructions on certain points. The pensions question, about which I have lately submitted recommendations, is a case in point. There are many others,

Permanent Force.—Captain Hume, Lieutenant Gardiner, and six non-commissioned officers of No. 1 Company have returned to the colony, after a long course of gunnery at the School of Gunnery. Shcebury-nci-s. Lieutenant Symon, of No. 2 Company, lias nearly finished a course of submarine mining and military engineering at tho School of Military Engineering, Chatham, and will shortly return. There arc no officers at- present in England undergoing courses. Four cadets qualified for and received commissions in December, 1901, and should be sent to England in two years' time, when they have had some further* experience. Tho institution of a Provident Fund on the same lines as that in vogue in tho PoJica Force Is now under consideration. The training of tho men is very satisfactory, and a Ijigh state of efficiency has l>een reached. The' conduct throughout tho force during tho yetir has been exemplary. Sinco last report lathes have been supplied to the Permanent Force artificers, and if proper workshops were erected a largo quantity of work could be performed by tho artificers that has now to bo put out or performed in England, and a very considerable saving would bo annually effected thereby to tho country. The strength of the Permanent Forco should on no account bo allowed to fall below establishment, This is none too high for oven, peace requirements, and men for this work cannot be trained at short notice. Tito formation of a reserve composed of those, who pass to other employments from this forco should be considered.

Volunteers.—The strength of (lie Volunteer Fore" (exclusive of cadets) on tho Ist July was distributed as follows: —Auckland, 3314; Wellington, 4546; Canterbury, 2829; Otago, 3526; Nelson, 1176. Summary (officers and men): 72 companies mounted rifles, 5729; 5 field batteries, 442; 8 companies naval artillery and 3 companies garrison artillery, 946; 2 companies submarine miners, 174; 4 companies field engineers, 334; 7 infantry corps, 7523 ; 5 cycle 'corps, 122; 5 bearer corps, 196; 5 Garrison Bauds, 125;— total, 15,391. Tho tibovo shows on increase of 490 volunteers on last 1 year's numbers.

Mounted Corps.—l hive with this branch of tho service, as well as with the infantry, limited tho training to tho smaller unit-3 for the present. Excellent material exists in New Zealand for this important arm, ;md with the spirit now animating corps a proper system of training should produce good results. In the corps I lately iwpnetod in the Auckland district many of the men ride long distances to parades, and doubtlens in other district? the same commendable practice pertains. Such a.'practice renders a man resourceful end independent —two most valuable qualities on senior. While mounted drill is necessary to enable bodies of men to bo moved to ' any point required rapidly and in good order, yet too much time should not 1)? sp?nt on it, nor the fact lo.>t sid't of that dismounted action is flv? true nwHer of tho mounted riftonvn. Field Arti!l»rv.— I There are five field batteries in tho colony; Ono only of these is of modern armament. There is one imv field battery on order from England. Nav; of the field batteries arc cemnietelv horsed, nor arc they completely harnessed. I. do not attach so much importance to the- former deficiency as to tho latter, as horses can readily be hired for work, and it is cheaper than buying and keepine them. Ido not recommend tue nurchaso of further batteries at present. There are more important wcrt"-.

Nsval and Garrison Artillery.—The naval and garrison artillery require reorc<ani=i\timi. They should be formed inlo garrison artillery divisions, as in the Imperial service. The prerent so-called naval corns arc an anomaly, being purely garrison artillery. Th.:°r<! are riojhi, position guns on order from KnjHr.d. TVse should bo ample for all requirements. Run practice during tho last 3'flrtr ha? bwn good. All tho corps take much interest in their work, but more daylight parades arc neo??.=sUT. The physique in some cases is hardly up to the standard required br the work entailed.

Corps.—There are four field engineer corps in the colony. Such corps cannot but be most useful in any operations likely to tske place, but to duly qualify themselves for such more daylieh.t \tork and u practical study of minor works and entrenchments are ncc.ssary. The one corps I havo had tho opportunity of inspecting showed sieal and intelligence in such work as they have been up to now exercised in.

Submarine Mining Corps.—Two submarine mining ttoats of the latest pattern arrived this year in the colony. • The submamo mining corps, that I have had an opportunity of inspecting show much interest and intelligence in this work. I have, howevor, only had the opportunity of inspecting these in the evening, and have seen no practical work as yet. I understand the number of daylight parades performed is at present too few to admit of the desired standard of efficiency in this work being attained. Infantry.—The battalion system is now in force throughout the colony. More outdoor work is required, and, while fully realising tho difficulties that exist in this matter,' I venture to think that if worked on commonwsnso lines the corps will make an effort to turn out by daylight more than has been tho custom heretofore. Ceremonial exercises should givo place to practical work, and thoso points which are merely a means to an end should not bo mistaken for the more important matters essential to efficiency. The musketry regulations have been attended to. and the courso made more practical. Shooting at unknown ranges ishould form the main, if not the entire,

annual training of members of the defence forces, the recruit being trained to the use of his rifle at known distances. Although •the past war should not be taken as a hard-and-fast pattern, yet magazine rilles demand ■more extended formation than heretofore, A batter discipline and greater knowledge Jjy jnnior ranks is therefore essential, add tho former much depends on the latter. Cycle Corps.—Kour cycle corps exist; anil a fifth is in proccss of formation at Nt'lson. Such corps arc useful and inexpensive, but their sphere of action is necessarily limited. Mcdioal Service.—A better organisation of the medical service is much to be desired. At present there are five Volunteer bearer corps in existence. Their equipment is incomplete, but I am informed the requirements are now under order. . Four ambulance waggons havo lately arrived from England. There is no organisation at present. for field hospitals. Had such means to this end- as I have now recommended existed during the last threo years not only might organisation have been looked for, but a very great saving of public money in matters connected with tho South. African Contingents would havo been effected. Veterinary Department.—The question of the establishment of a Veterinary Department should receive consideration, and would cost little or nothing. "Veterinary officers if encouraged to join corps in that capacity would, prove useful in the advice, etc., they could afford and in the lessons regarding care of horses they could teach. The necessity for tho latter cannot but exist, whero horses are as cheap and plentiful as they are in New Zealand. Cidet Corps.--'There are now 36 cadet corps under the Defence Department,

Twenty-ono corps hate lately been transferred to the Education Department, Cadet corps should Ix; encouraged. So far the Kmpire lias been fortunate in escaping tho necessity for conscription. Event* may, however—as tliejr have dono in other countries— forco this upon her, and a means of Raining immunity (herefrom would appear to bo the training of tho youtli of tlio country to arms. I have recommended that all boys under 13 shall bo under tho Education Department, and instructed in tho oloments of military knowledge; that after 15 and while still at school, or, say, till 17 years of agft, they be cadets under the Defence Department. Very few hours per month would so far educate a boy tliat, after he passed out of the cadet corps, he would very easily bo rendered fit to take his place in tlio ranla of an orgauised force should necessity arise. The training of cadets should form part, of their education, and not be made irksome to them by interfering with their playhours, etc. Rifle Club?.—Ninety-three rifle clubs now exist. They are to be encouraged where they do not influence recruiting for corps, but in no sense can an untrained man, however good a shot he may bo, compare on service to an even partially-trained on*. Riflo clubs aro allowed to purchase magazino rifles nt cost prioe. New Zealand Defence Forces' Rifle Association.—The Government has lately taken ovor the New Zoalahd Riflo Associations, and good results may be looked for. Shooting on service principles only as far as possible should be' allowed and all else discouraged. A considorablo advance in this direction was'.made at thfc meeting hold at Trontham last February, Carbino matches will bo instituted in future. Camps.—The necessity for the training of tlio smaller units before attempting instruction of the larger bodies induced me to submit recommendations suspending for the prosont combined camps and limiting the work to company training. A very considerable advance in tho efficiency of corps under this system may bo looked for. The so-called Easter camps have also been suspended. Little real work was done at (hem, and the -argument that thoy encouraged recruiting is a superfluous one jin New Zealand at tho present time, where such great interest in military matters is manifest. Corps aro now allowed to go into camp at any time 'suitable to themselves. Camp Equipment.—Thero ate now in tho colony 1650 tents and 70 marquees that aro serviceable. I do not consider that more

are required. In the event of war, men would bo billeted as far as possible, which 1 is a much moro preferablo method of 1 sheltering them than placing them under canvas. It affords better protection, and effeots a largo saving in baggage, trains, etc. Arms and Equipment.—All mounted rifles and riflo corps are now armed with the magazine rifle. . A lighter riflo will probably shortly bo introduced in England, and future wants here, should .be considered in connection with this weapon—at anyrate, so far as mounted men aro concerned. An adequate reserve of rifles should bo maintained. In last year's . Intimates, £4000 was voted by Parliament for the construction of armouries, I have informed the Hon. Minister of Defence, that I do not propose this sorviec shall he carried out. In ray opinion caeh man should keep and look after his own* rifle, and, from wha,t I have seen afc. inspections

of corps, I consider thoy arc quite capable, of doing 'so. Two armourers are now .at tho disposal of the Oominand;uit, and theso will bo utilised to inspect the arms of corps and bring to notice any cases of damage, want of care, etc., that may occur. The equipment scale requires revision. Certain articles, such as nosebags for mounted corps, have not been considered. The care of horses- is an important part of the mounted man's duty, and having to go many miles to parade, as the majority of mounted Volunteers do, without the means of feeding bis horse, does not inculcate good horsemastomhip. The, equipment of all corps is not yet completed, but steps-are, I understand, being taken to remedy this. The belts and ammunition pouches now worn by somo corps should, as they become unserviceable, bo roplaced by bandoliers. The waste of ammunition with the pouch equipment in South Africa was enormous. No extra expense would bo incurred by this. A' 'proportion of entrenching tools should be supplied to corps. On service this is a very important matter'. Uniforms.—Part of the clothing of a A r olunteer should consist of a greatcoat. Ho should also have a waterproof sheot. I am informed thero are greatcoats in store which can be obtained on payment, and the question of waterproof sheets is under consideration. I have under consideration the question as to whether both troublo and expence would not bo saved by the Government supplying the ncecasary uniforms and readjusting the cspit&tion,. .gflmts,. proportionately. The New Zealand forces .are now uniformed in practically 'a.'.universal working dress, which would assist, also to a settlement oi this matter. 'I hope it will be found that 6uch an arrangement would be cheaper for Uio Government and the corps themselves. Imperial Resorve,— I The question of Imperial reserve is now one that is occupying somo attention at Home. The points that should be observed are that it should at

all lirAos be a reality, and not a. paper force, and bo thoroughly fit for servioo anywhere. School of Instruction.—Good results may bo looked for from this institution. The aim of all training should be to render units, ote., independent of external" assistance, and this can only be arrived at by tho training of their officers and noncom. officers. Classes-aw now held in each district, and the work i 3 continuous throughout tho year. ... Signalling.—The value of signalling on service is so great that earnest attention should be .given to it in peace time. Helios should ho provided. Tho training of officers and men for' this work does not merely consist in their lieing able to send and ve«il messages correctly, and much praetioa is requir?d in maintaining a proper state of efficiency. * Drill Halls and Rifle Ranges.—'ln many caw tho terms on which drill balls and rifle ranges aro held are unsatisfactory and insecure. Tho exUtpnoe of a corps depends on there being a rifle range and drill ball available for its use. I shall shortly havo completed a schedule showing the terms 011 which these drill hnlls and rifle ranges new in existence are hold, with suggestions, in cases where their tenure is precarious, as to tlio most economic and ready means of securing tho name. As regards drill halls, in some cases tho sale of the existing unsatis-

factory buildings would more than pay for the acquisition of suitable ones. During the past year tho Penrose'rifle range has been acquired for the uso of tho Auckland volunteers. Improvements at Trentliam range are being gradually carried out by the permanent force, and an excellent camping ground and range how c-xistp there. Ammunition.—lt is unfortunate that the prieo of small-arm ammunition romains so high. The quality of the ammunition supplied by the Colonial Ammunition Company is good. The output of this company, howover, is small, and in tho event of war, under the existing circumstances, the supply would fall very short, of tho demand. No factories for the supply of gun ammunition exist in Now Zealand. I havo recommended that an adequate resei-ve of ammunition, both gun and small-arm, bo procured forthwith, and always maintained. Conclusion.—l have, owing to the despatch nf contingents, not made as extended an' inspection of corps since my arrival in New Zealand as I otherwise should havo done. I have, however, inspected the existing harbour defences of tho colony, 17 mounted rifles,, and 24 infantry corps, 1 cycle corps, and ft cadet corps. There exists throughout, as I havo mentioned elsewhere, the necessity for a more thorough training of tho lower ranks and smaller units. I am led to the conclusion, too, that the use of instructors Iv.vi boon somowkt misapplied, and that they havo in many aimed 'at training the moil instead of assisting in the training of officers and, non-commissioned officers of corps. Officers commanding districts are too tied down to their offices at present to carry out inspection as frequently as they should do. It is only by such and, by helping corps to acquire knowledge in their work by pointing out the weak points that efficiency will be arrived at. An excellent spirit pervades all ranks. Officers and men are anxious to learn, and !o do things tho right way. Better material for soldiers would b? hard to find. The training of such men should be curried out in a manner that will, while it inculcates knowledge and perfection in the use of their arms, preserve at tho same time tho very valuable quality of individuality. True and sound discipline can only bo acquired in military life, as in any other profession, by knowledge on the part of superiors, and by their gaining by this and by their action in all things tho respect and confidence of thoso who servo under them.'