THE DEFENCE DEPARTMENT.

Otago Witness, Issue 2915, 26 January 1910, Page 17

THE DEFENCE DEPARTMENT.

THE AUCKLAND AGITATION. AUCKLAND,. January 18. Mr Vernon Eeed, member for the of Islands, has initiated an agitation the object of which is to induce the Government to constitute a Royal Commission to inquire into the control of the Dominion's Forces. The telegram is signed by Messrs Reed, Baume, Poole, Glover, and Poland, M.P.'s, and was despatched to-day to thePrime Minister. It asks, in view of fcb-T early operation of the Defence Act, that an exhaustive inquiry should be held by a Royal Commission into all matters pertaining to the administration generally by the executive officers of the Defence Department. DRASTIC COMMENT. (Fkom Oue Own Correspondent.) AUCKLAND, January 18. " I think the appointment of a Royal Commission would be welcomed by the Miltary Forces of the Dominion," was the opinion of a leading officer of the Auckland Garrison when seen by a Star re pre sentative this morning, and informed that the Auckland members of Parliament have asked the Prime Minster to appoint a commission to inquire into the administration and efficiency of the Defence Department. The officer in question admitted when asked that there was a growing feeling of discontent which had prevailed for a very long time in regard to the inner working of the administration, and expressed the opinion that an exhaustive inquiry would have a most beneficial effect in placing the Defence Forces . of New Zealand upon a much more satisfactory footing than they are at present. "Something will have to be done to bring about a better understanding,", said another prominent officer of the Auckland Garrison when approached by an interviewer. " There is no nse beating about the bush or trying to hide the fact that throughout the whole force there is seething discontent. The reason is the absolute lack of sympathy between those at the head of affairs and the main body of men constituting the New Zealand Defence Force. It "is not a local affair. The unrest I speak of is apparent everywhere. If the system of national training provided for in the act of last session is not to be a farce, something must be done to _ relieve the present position, and I believe that a Royal Commission of inquiry would be the very best thing to place the Defence movement in this country on a thoroughly sound basis." "I think the setting up of a Royal Commission is desirable," said Mr C. 11. Poole ; M.P. " The recent inquiry into the Knyvett case seeWs to indicate that the inquiry asked for in his case should have a broad order of reference, so that if any irregularity is discovered it may serve a dual purpose in the relief of Knyvett and the discovery of possible irregularities in the department. Public opinion has been quickened by the latest developments, and where there is suspicon in the public mind every endeavour should be made to get at the root of the trouble and lift the department above suspicion." Mr Vernon Reed, who is the prime mover in the agitation for an inquiry, says: "Recent developments have caused the public to inquire into a position that has lon.fi; been realised in military circles—the inefficiency and want of svmpathetic accord in military adminstration in the Dominion. We are on the eve of three most important events, and the time is therefore opportune for such an investigation. First, there is the all-important scheme of universal military training within the Dominion ; secondly, the proposal for the future training of our officers in England : and thirdly, the approaching visit of Lord Kitchener. One effect which I hope the telegram to the Prime Minister will have is that no excuse will be accepted for not calling the forces out for the Field-mar-shal's inspection. The present material is the material of the future, and it will, to my mind, argue known inefficiency in, the present administration if no inspection is ordered. It is most important that the Dominion should know the work of those who are to control and bz'Gr'anisfl the future forces to be created. Under the Defence Act of last session." continued the member for Bay of Islands, " the country is to be put to a very great expense in raising an effective Defence Force, and effort should He to prevent the organisation and- adminstrßtirtn- from heirg marred by the incompetency of officers

controlling the department. Further, it would be useless expenditure to send to England, as is proposed, for the purpose of acquiring military experience, senior officers who have proved themselves incompetent, and who do not possess the confidence of the Volunteer officers of the Dominion. I consider." Mr Reed added, " that there never was such a time as the present when drastic inquiry is so needed to place the future miliary operations of the Dominion upon a solid foundation."