DEFENCE MATTERS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3097, 23 July 1913, Page 6

DEFENCE MATTERS.

POINTS OF INTEREST. (From Ona Owm Correspondents.) WELLINGTON, July 15. According to the defence report the total number of email arms available in the dominion is 41,941. An order for 15,000 additional M.L.E. rifles has been placed with the War Office, and the first consignment is expected shortly. Fifteen thousand similar rifles (partly worn) have also been obtained from Canada, and are included in the figures given. The reserves of small arms ammunition have been increased by one and a quarter million rounds, and no complaint as to its quality has been received from any quarter during the year. An idea of the equipment necessary fs afforded by the figures relative to clothing issued to the Territorials. Since last year 13,588 great coats and 15,047 pairs of putt’es had been taken over from the contractors and issued, but there still remain a considerable quantity to he received to comp’ete the equipment of the forces. The manufacturers of clothing, while doing their best, complain of the scarcity of labour tor their factories, and also of the inability of the woollen mills to supply material for great coats, etc. During the year 165.266 articles of clothing wore received and 138,980 articles issued. The sale of service boots has considerably increased, 2502 pairs having boon issued, showing that the want of a serviceable boot for drill and camp purposes was generally felt. Six thousand throe hundred and sixty-four pairs were sold altogether. Complete satisfaction was expressed with the pattern adopted. It was proposed to create reserves of clothing to the extent of 5000 sets for each arm of the Territorial Force, so that future requirements might be promptly met. The Army Motor Reserve Corps has proved of great assistance. This branch of the service will not cost the department anything except when it is called out. The permanent force (Garrison Artillor-,) consisted of 283 men of all ranks, this being 26 short of the establishment. Over 50 per cent, of the force were recruits and not fitted for the more advanced work required in connection with armament, ammunition, and stores. It is regrettable that recruits come in slowly. In the oninion of the general the existing coast defences of Now Zealand, with some slight additional armament, are sufficient to meet all requirements. The Colonial Ammunition Company is under contract to supply 4.300.000 rounds of .503 in mark VI ball ammunition, abo 250.000 rounds of .503 in blank ammunition per year. The company is now in a position and has the machinery and plant available to turn out 7.000.000 to 8.000.000 rounds of hall ammunition annually should that quantity be required.