ARMY REFORM

Otago Daily Times, Issue 12933, 28 March 1904, Page 5

ARMY REFORM

LOUD ESHER'S COMMISSION. Press Asspcianur.—By Telegraph—Copyn'Btit. , LONDON, March 27. (Received .March 2S, at U.tlO a.m.) Tin- third section of tin* Lord Esiirr Commission's 'report, emphasises the impor.tanco of maintaining continuity in the Defence Committee's work, and explains; tiio War Commission's report, which revealed a condition of affairs which .outraged public feeling -throughout the Empire. The committee aimed ■at uprbotih;; a;, system condemned by the Partington. Commission in 1890. liad tho tecbnimendations of a majority .pf tiio latter hern accepted the country woiild Jiayo. been saved thousands of lives ami millions of pounds in the South African iv'ai\ The report states that with a frw exceptions no War .Secretary since 181-j lias boon qualified to maintain the continuity of a defensive policy. If tiic commission?.-; proposals are loyally executed tmembers of the Army Council will bo unable to shelter behind the (,'oniniiimjeMii-Cliief or impute to the Secretary of State the responsibility for decisions they disapprove. The commission recommends tho abolition of brevet rank,, and advises that meritorious service he recognised by a grant of additional seniority.