LORD KITCHENER

Otago Witness, Issue 2921, 9 March 1910, Page 27

LORD KITCHENER

'THE MILITARY COLLEGE

SYDNEY, March 1. The Daily Telegraph, in commending Lord Kitchener's advice that Australia and New Zealand should act together in regard to defence, says that the suggestion that New Zealand candidates for commissions should attend the Commonwealth Military College will appeal to every reflective mind. Not only will military efficiency be thereby promoted, but a valuable tie will be found for uniting New Zealand and Australia in that most powerful of all national bonds — identity of interest in face of a common peril.

AUCKLAND DEFENCES INSPECTED REVIEW OF CADETS. AUCKLAND, March 1. Lord Kitchener visited the harbour defences this morning. The FieldMarshal, accompanied by Sir Joseph Ward, Colonel Kirkpatrick, Colonel Robin, Colonel Tuson, Colonel Wolfe, Colonel Patterson, and Captain Ricnardson, proceeded down the narbour at halfpa&t 8 in the Harbour Board's launch Fero, which the board had placed at the disposal of the authorities. The various military features and possibilities of the haroour were closely studied with maps and charts, and the party then landed at Fort Ca-utley (North Head),, where Lord Kitchener inspected the proposed sites for the new 6-inch mark VII guns which are to be mounted there. No. 2 company of the Garrison Artillery ' Volunteers, which was in camp at this fort, was then inspected, after wuich a move was made for Fort iakapuna. There the Field-Marshal inspected the No. 3 company GarrisoD' Artillery Volunteers, of which he is an honorary member. He addressed the men briefly, and said he was very glad to have the opportunity of seeing them. He said he did not know quite what the duties of an honorary member of an artillery company were, and caused some discreet amusement by remarking that he supposed he ought to " fall in," but he could not very well do that under the circumstances. . fter the inspection the men came out of camp. Tmsre nad been some rumour of a night attack, but this did not take place. From here Lord Kitchener was driven along the road towards Lake Takapuna to -get a more comprehensive idea of the entrance to the harbour, and the warty returned to town at about half-past 10 a.m. During the visit to the various forts- Lord Kitchener studied the charts and the localities with the Keenest attention, and it was evident from the manner •in which he went into the subject that the was fully impressed with the importance of the port and its defence.

THE CADETS' INSPECTION. AUCKLAND, March 1. There was an immense gathering of the public at the Domain this afternoon to witness the inspection of the Cadets. A moderate estimate of the attendance Is 20,000. There were 4065 cadets of all ranks on parade, and they made a splendid picture formed up in battalions or marching past the saluting base. Two troops of returned South African soldiers paraded (one troop being under Captain Knyvett in the capacity of an ex r officer of the Queensland Bushmen's Contingent), and the Veterans' Association and the resident veterans of the Veteran's Home were also present. Lord Kitchener was much interested in the Cadets, and the veterans also attracted much of his notice. He chatted with nearly every individual veteran, asking about his medals and engagements. The parade went off admirably and formed a most impressive spectacle.

THE AUCKLAND MANOEUVRES. THE FIELD-MARSHAL PLEASED. AUCKLAND, March 2. The manoeuvres in connection with Lord Kitchener's visit to Auckland commenced in the small hours of this morning. The men ir camp at the outer Domain were calle 1 out at 3.30 a.m. to prepare for the day's proceedings, which were to partake of tactical exercises over a large tract of country, having as its four corners Ellerslie Racecourse, Mount Wellington, Otahuhu, and Mount Smart. The first portion of the troops, representing the enemy, and numbering 108, under Major W. R. Blomfield, left camp at 4 o'clock. The local force which was sent out to attack their position, comprised about 1300 men and 126 officers. Two hours later the attacking force, under Lieutenant-colonel Wolfe, was halted at Ellerslie Racecourse. At 8.15 a.m. Lord Kitchener arrived by motor car, being accompanied by Sir Joseph Ward and Colonel Kirkpatrick. In a following motor car were Colonels Robin and Tuson and Captain Brown. On arrival at the racecourse Lord Kitchener and his party mounted horses and an inspection of the assembled troops took place. The men were placed under a very close and searching scrutiny. Lord Kitchener then retired to near the gateway, and orders were given to the column to move off, another careful scrutiny of the evolution and marching order being made. The troops filed off in orderly fashion to their respective stations, and Lord Kitchener and staff moved away and, later, took up positions on several eminences, from which the manoeuvres were viewed. Lord Kitchener ordered firing to cease when the men were on a raised position overlooking Sylvia Park and Richmond Hill, the enemy having retired behind these nlaces and entrenched

themselves. There was no decision given as to the result, the manoeuvres being merely a series of tactical exercises. Lord Kitchener expressed himself pleased at the way in which the troops moved out of camp and took up their positions. After the manoeuvres the troops returned to camp in sections, and, on being reported, in most cases began to make preparations to depart. Shortly after noon Lord Kitchener visited the Veterans' Home to present an organ to the institution on behalf of the returned troopers. The grim old warriors who had fought through many a campaign straightened themselves up at the order for " Attention !" and proudly stood there displaying their medals, clasps, and stars as Lord Kitchener passed along their line. The third man from the left was Veteran Francis William' Purvis, late of the Royal Navy, who was present at the siege of Acre in 1840, and who is believed to be the only surviving representative of that historic fight now resident south of the line. He was singled out by Lord Kitchener, who spoke kindly to him. "How old are you?" inquired Kitchener of Khartoum.

"Ninety-one," replied the veteran. " And still hale and hearty. I congratulate you upon it," said the Fieldivr fixfi ri 3. i As he'passed on, other old-time soldiers whom Lord Kitchener addressed were Veterans White and Neilson, formerly of the Scots Greys, who wore clasps for the charge of the Heavy Brigade at Balaclava. The distinguished visitor also took a special interest in Veteran Fox, formerly of the Royal Artillery, who served under Lord Kitchener in Egypt, receiving the Khedive's star, and" subsequently under Lord Roberts in Afghanistan, receiving the Afghanistan medal with clasps. Veteran Fox also wore two other medals which had been awarded to him for meritorious service. " What is the average age of the veterans?" Lord Kitchener inquired of Captain Archer, superintendent of the home, as he reached the end of the line. " Seventy-eight, sir," responded Captain Archer.

The Field-Marshal, having glanced at the landscape, the garden, and the frontage of the home, expressed his pleasure at finding the veterans in such a comfortable home and upon its breezy, healthy, and picturesque surroundings. . The ceremony of presenting the organ, which took place; in the library, did not occupy more than five minutes. Captain Caulton, of the Seventh Contingent, explained! that "the Auckland members of the South African contingents, as a memorial to the late Mr Seddon, Prime Minister of New Zealand, had subscribed for an organ for presentation to the veterans, and specially asked Lord Kitchener to make the presentation on their behalf.

Lord Kitchener, in acceding: to the request, said: "I am very pleased on behalf of the returned contingenters to present this organ to the home. I feel sure that it will he a source of great pleasure and of lasting gratification to the veterans to see that the young soldiers who fought in South Africa remember and respect them in this way."

In the afternoon Lord Kitchener visited Sir John Logan Campbell at his home at Parnell.

Colonel Kirkpatrick (Lord Kitchener's Chief of Staff) an'd Mr Wheian (private left this evening by H.M.S. Encounter for Sydney, en route to India.

INVITED TO NELSON. NELSON, March 2. At a meeting held here to-night it was decided to invite Lord Kitchener to visit Nelson before leaving the Dominion. It is suggested that the- Field-Marshal should travel overland- from Picton to Christchurch, via Nelson and the ""West Coast. LORD KITCHENER'S REPORT. IN THE HANDS OF THE GOVERNMENT. AUCKLAND, March 2. Lord Kitchener's report on his inspection of the New Zealand Forces has been received by the Prime Minister, but it will not be available for publication until it has been perused by each member of .the Ministry. FIELD MARSHAL'S FINAL MESSAGE. PRAISE FOR THE CADETS. VOLUNTEER FORCES EULOGISED. AUCKLAND, March 2. On the conclusion of his official visit to New Zealand Lord Kitchener acceded to a request by the New Zealand Herald for a final message to the people of the Dominion. The Field-Marshal's message is as follows :

Lord Kitchener is very glad to state how thoroughly he has enjoyed his visit to the Dominion, where he has been so cordially received. The New Zealand Cadet system struck him as admirable in every way, as it undoubtedly improves the physical development of the boys, and by the discipline inculcated gives them an excellent preparation for their future careers. The keenness for training shown by the Volunteer - forces is an excellent presage for the future efficiency of the Defence Force about to be organised. The following communication from Lord Kitchener has been received by Sir Joseph Wardj aiid, as desired, it will be included in both the general and Cadet orders.^

The Right Hon. the Minister for Defence of NeW Zealand—l will be glad if you will in your" general orders express to the Defence Forces of the Do*

minion, including the Cadets, my appreciation of the opportunity given me to inspect these forces in each district. It gave me great pleasure to be associated with the field forces on their manoeuvre day, and to notice the keenness displayed by all ranks. —Kitchener, Field-Marshal, Auckland, March 2, 1910.

Sir Joseph Ward appends the follow ing note :

I desire also to add my personal appreciation of the excellent manner m which the forces turned out for inspection by the Field-Marshal and their general bearing while under review.

FIELD-MARSHAL'S REPORT. FRESH LEGISLATION NECESSARI, AUCKLAND, March 3. Sir Joseph Ward, who has accompanied Lord Kitchener throughout his tour of New Zealand, gave a reporter some impressions of the event this afternoon. He paid a high tribute to the manner in which the transport of troops and Cadets from the out districts to the four centres had been accomplished by the Railway Department, and pointed out how the Main Trunk railways were proving their usefulness in this respect. The fact that in round numbers 13,000 Cadets and some 8000 adult Volunteers had been assembled at the four centres without a hitch marked a distinct advance so far as the transport facilities of the Dominion were concerned.

'•' One point we should remember in connection with the visit of Lord Kitchener," said Sir Joseph, "is that he did not come to either New Zealand or Australia to inspect, in the ordinary sense of the word, the Volunteers or the Cadets, and for that reason he has not publicly expressed any opinion as to the efficiency of the men, or the correctness or otherwise of any manoeuvres that have been carried out during his visit. His mission to New Zealand was to suggest what was the best system to adopt for the defence of the Dominion, and in this category I include the permanent defence of the harbours thai require it.» It is therefore to his report and recommendations that we must look in order to lay down a proper and effective system. " I feel personally that the result of his visit will materially add to the value of the defence system of the Dominion. I cannot discuss the recommendations he has made in the report, which was handed to me last night from Lord Kitchener, except to say that they are on the lines that are well within the possibilities of the Dominion to carry out. After they have been considered by the Government they will be published, so as to give members of Parliament and the public generally a full opportunity of becoming acquainted with them before the next session of Parliament."

Asked as to the effect of the report on the new Defence Act, Sir Joseph said he had no doubt that legislation would be desirable to~ include the scheme proposed by Lord Kitchener in his report.

AUCKLAND AS A NAVAL BASE. FORECAST OF THE REPORT. AUCKLAND, March 3. Lord Kitchener, during* - hr# visit to Auckland, paid special attention to the defences of Waitemata Harbour, in view of the fact that in the immediate future the harbour is to be the base for the British navy in the Southern Pacific: As the result of his observations it is understood that m his report to the Defence Minister he has made recommendations which, if carried out in their entirety, will place the Auckland fortifications upon the same scale as those of Sydney. It is well known that the fortifications of the port of Auckland are at present quite inadequate, the whole of the armament, with the exception of the two new 6in mark VII gun 3 now being mounted, consisting of guns of such an obsolete description that they could not tpenetrate the armour of a wooden armoured cruiser at eyen half the range they are said to possess. During his inspection of the forts Lord Kitchener did not even glance at these guns. He concentrated his attention during the visit upon the strategical positions of the fortress, and immediately seized upon the importance of Burton's Point, declaring, "That is the place which must be fortified." The Field-Marshal's first impression, as regards the importance of this position, seems to have become a conviction, as it is stated that he has made a strong i*ecommendation in his report for a fortification of this point. While Burton's Point appealed to him as of extreme importance for the protection of the entrance to the harbour, it is stated that the fortification of one particular spot now fortified did not at all meet with his approval, and that this is made the aubject of candid criticism in the document he handed in. As far as the armament of the different forts is concerned, it is reported that Lord Kitchenr has strongly ureed that the forts here be eouioped with 9.2 in, B.6in mark VII guns of the latest pattern. If this is so, and his recommendations are carried out, it means that Auckland, to all intents and purooses, will be safe from any raid likely _to be made upon it. The 9.2 in gun is next the 12in weapon, the most powerful piece of ordnance' in use in the British navy, and it is considered fty many to be more serviceable for fortification rmrnoses than the 12in, »inasmuch as it does not wear out so quickly. " It will." to use Lord Kitchener's own expression, " stop any ship." Additional searchlights, it is understood, have also been recommended.

INVITATION TO THE WEST COAST. (B*r6m Otm Own Correspondent.) CREYMOUTH, March 4. Most of the Wast Coast local bodies have extended a cordal invitation to Lord Kitchener to visit this district prior

to his departure from New Zealand. His Lordship has not yet replied.