The Defence Forces.

Otago Witness, Issue 2840, 19 August 1908, Page 67

The Defence Forces.

TO THE EDITOR.

Snt,— l should much like to see a school of musketry established in the Dominion? somewhat, similar to 4hat of Hythe at' Home, where boys attending schools who' show any proficiency in drill can pass an' examination, after which, if they are .successful, they art # sent to this college foB three yeaTs and 'taught strategy and oivii engineering, also a knowledge of the vari* v ous gun drills. When the time comes we would then, have officers fit to take com,mand. All old soldiers know that officer^ cannot be made in a few days. Remember the great Napoleon, who said, "-Give me French officers and British soldiers and! I'll go through Europe." A great deal - depend* on our officers. We have only & few in New Zealand. Training and nob uniform makes the soldier. Now, these boys could be drafted into the Publicf - Works offices, survey offices, post and tele-* gra.pl> offices-, ■ and it would be some . eny couragement for them to study. lioys; passing OKaminations could als© <be tefcert from private schools. Then we should always be provided with capable officers <xO take command should any oontingencjl arise. Hoping to see somethinjt dona by : our Government! in this matter,— l am, etc,/i _ HOBATIO Reeft-oii, Atrgruet 6.

A measure is to be introduced into the Ta?« manian Parliament to place the management of the State railwa-ye beyond politic oal control.

An idea that prevailed in flome quarteta that the consumption of colonial produce would be heavy during fleet week in Aucky land did not seem to haro Any solid foundation. An. Inveroargill exporter iseceive*!the foUowinjj telegram from his Auckland representative:— "Fleet carry their ownf produce; market full of potatoes."

1 COAGULINE,' ' KLINX,' ' TENASITINE.'—Cements for broken and other articles-