THE DEFENCE COUNCIL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13780, 19 December 1906, Page 5

THE DEFENCE COUNCIL.

(From Obr Own Correspondent.)

WELLINGTON, December 18.

The general opinion amongst file Volunteer authorities here, so far as I can gather, is that the administration under the new plan should be more successful than under the old regime. Some, however, seem to think that there is just a little too much of the amateur soldier about the council, and that in the future under such a body political intluenee may have undue weight. It is urged in several quarters that under the old tsystein much lictt-vr results would have been achieved had the commandants been given fair play. Major .lohiiston. who is undoubtedly the ablest member of the council from a military point of view, is an Imperial oflicor, and in a few months' time will have completed his term of office in New Zealand, but. possiblv he may remain for a few years more. Colonel Davies is generally known in the North Island as a smart and capable mounted infantry officer. Lieutenant-colonel Collins is very well up in Volunteering and rifle shooting, and hw services on the council, apart, from the financial aspect, should be valuable. Lieutenantcolonel Robin's work is host known in Otago, where he has had lengthy service. The secretary (Ijicutenam-colonol Webb) has been a popular officer with the forces generally. Sir Joseph Ward thinks the council a great improvement upon the former .systoin, anil looks to it to render valuable cervices in popularising Volunteering and, generally, in making our Defence Forces mere efficient.