THE DEFENCE FORCES.

Otago Witness, Issue 3168, 2 December 1914, Page 6

THE DEFENCE FORCES.

Br Sentry,

Mild consternation was caused amongst rifle associations upon receipt recently of an intimation that competitors railway passes, previously granted free, wmidd in future have to be paid out of the Government grants to associations. It will therefore be learned with pleasure that the instruction has been countermanded, and free railway passes will be granted as heretofore. The large increase in the numbers to be sent from New Zealand constitute a special appeal to trained officers. A few months of constant training may develop the recruit in the ranks into a tolerably efficient soldier, but the making of a capable officer who will lead men with a confidence born of knowledge is a much slower process. The crying need amongst all the armies involved in the great struggle is capable officers. The officer is frequently a married man with family responsibilities which must necessarily be a consideration in conjunction with the call to arms. The pay (plus allowances) of New Zealand officers on active service tots up as follov s : Lieutenant-colonel, £574 17s 6d per annum; major, £5Ol 17s; captain, £4lO 12s 6d; lieutenant, £3Ol 2s 6d. _ From December 5 to 12 W ingatui rifle range will be a centre of military activity. About 100 men, comprising portions of D and A Squadrons, sth Regiment,_ will encamp in that locality for the period mentioned in order to complete their drills and parades for the year and to get through the musketry course, so that of the year’s training nothing will then remain to be accomplished but the annual camp. Recently similar camps were successfully completed at Hawea Flat and Arrowtown for the men of D Squadron in the neighbourhood of the centre. Horses will not be taken into camp at Wingatui. With the third issue of The Pull Thro’ the intimation that this somewhat uniqds little journal will be. published fortnightly in future instead of weekly. The feeling of the men doing garrison duty in Samoa is aptly pictured in a cartoon showing a soldier of a decidedly bored mien clasping in his arms a miniature “Samoa,” the legend at the foot being, “We’ll hold it, but we wish something would happen.” The “ something ” is plainly hinted at in the following advertisement ; “For sale, 1200 white uniforms, in good order and condition; owners leaving for Europe.—A Rumour and Co., Apia.” According to the Pull Thro’ there is amongst the soldiers a feeling of confidence that some such development will soon take place. Cricket and football matches, swimming carnivals, and even a wedding have provided diversion from the monotonous round of garrison duty. The Pull Thro’ has added a lad'es’ column of a fanciful character, and publishes some presentable rhyming, including the ballad of “ Bill Boggitts,” A piquant Morse conversation at night between warship and New Zealand transport : —Warship: “Yon are showing too many lights.” Transport ; “ This is the s.s. , flagship of the fleet.” Warship : “ With every respect for whom you are, you are showing too many lights, and they must be put out.” For the group meeting at Dunedin, open to Territorials, Senior Cadets, and compulsory members of rifle clubs only, the sum of £SO has been allotted. The meeting will probably be held at Christmas time, and there is considerable inducement for young shots to compete.