THE ARMY ESTIMATES.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13544, 17 March 1906, Page 7

THE ARMY ESTIMATES.

PROPOSED REDUCTION OF REGULARS. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. LONDON, March 16. (Received March 16, at 11.32 p.m.) In the House of Commons Mr Selby moved to reduce the personnel of the army by 10,000.

Mr Balfour deprecated a reduction of the regulars before the projected supplementary organisation was created.

Mr Ilaldanc asked for time to effect economy—perhaps in a year—on scientific lines ami with due regard to all parts of bo large.a subject.'

Subsequent discussion showed that some reduction is expected as the result of the feeling in. many electorates.

Sir 11. Campbell-Bannerman, the Premier, appealed to his more impatient followers to allow Mr Haldane a free hand in studying an intricate problem. He reminded the Uoiise that the Government policy was peace abroad. The strength of the army was dependent largely on external policy. He hoped the amendment would not be pressed.

Mr Selby insisted on its being put. and the amendment was negatived by 296 to 56.

The Opposition supported the Government. Many Radicals did not vote.

The vote for 200,000 men was carried.