THE DEFENCE DEPARTMENT.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 12564, 19 January 1903, Page 11 (Supplement)

THE DEFENCE DEPARTMENT.

WELLINGTON, January 7. Lieutenant-colonel Mossonger, for many yeara in chnrgo of the Permanent Artillery, and Captain falconer, in charge of the Torpedo Corps, have been retired from the sorvice. It is understood that Colonel lieseenger will be replaced by Major Moore, of tho Royal Engineers, who came out here o, year or two ago as staff officer of artillery. Captain W. Coyle, inspector of submarine mining at Auckland, will temporarily fill the position occupied by Captain Falconer. Lieutenant-colonel Nevrall, in charge of tho Wellington district, is- also to rotiro, and other changes arc pending. Another officer to retire from the Defence Department is Captain Lomas, who has been adjutant of tho Wellington district for two years. He joined the Taimo Field Force in 1863,. and was contain and adjutant of the First Regiment of New Zealand Cavalry under Captain Noake. Ho wears the New Zealand war medal, and was recommended for tho New Zealand Cross by Colonel M'Donnoll and Major Kemp, but uover received it. It is understood Major Reid, acting adjutant at Auckland is retiring from the Defence Department. NAPIER, January 8. Major Chicken, V.D., East Coast Battalion, retires after over 30 years' service in volunteering. WELLINGTON, January 8. Among the officers of the Defence Department who hovo boon retired is Colonel Sommorvillo, of Wanganui. The Commandant, who is supported by tho Admiral on the Australian station, has recommended that the mine fields at Lyttelton and Port Chalmers be discontinued, as not wanted. Only one submarine officer is now required. TT.U.UIII. January 8.--Tho South Canterbury Volunteer \ subdistrict has been abolished and the Defence office closed, and the work transferred to Christclmrch. Lieutenant-colonel Bailey, commanding South Canterbury for 17 years', retires.

(From Oca Own Cobrksfondent.) WELLINGTON, January 8. In reference to tho re-organisation of the Defence Department, it is- stated here that Sir Arthur, Douglas, Undcr-secretary of the department, will also be asked to retire. Colonel Porter was offered the position, but could not soe his way to take it. It is understood, however, that he will succeed Lieutenant-colonel Nowall when tho latter retires on March 31. The report , is current that one of the officers to ho retired is Major Reid, Acting-adjutant of the Auckland Volunteer district. Major Reid was- solected as a captain in the Second Contingent, but. ns the result of some disagreement'with Major Cradock, remained in the colony, and was' soon after the. depai - - tura of the contingent appointed to the position which he now holds. Mr do Mey, tiio physical drill instructor at Mount Cook barracks, has also received notico that his services are to le dispensed with. The whole of the retirements will. ho as from March 31 next, and. are understood to be part of a retrenchment scheme. The action of the Defence Minister in regard to Colonel Newall is universally condemned here, but it may be that the Government will arrange to allow him the superannuation allowance he would be entitled to if he were allowed to remain a little longer in the service.