LORD KITCHENER.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XV, Issue 3569, 3 March 1910, Page 5

LORD KITCHENER.

THE DEFENCE OF AUCKLAND. ATTACKING FORGE SUE- < ROUNDED. A FINAL MESSAGE. Electric Telegraph—Tress Association. Auckland, March 2. This morning Lord Kitchener submitted the troops of the Auckland district to an efficiency test by means of tactical exercise. Incidentally he reviewed the defending force at the racecourse. The general idea .of manoeuvres carried out this morning was that the blue force was operating against Auckland l from the south, and this morning the force was supS 1 to be in the vicinity of uhu. The city was defended bv thd red force in the vicinity of Remuera. The object'of the red force was to move against the blue force and drive in the screen, capturing Ht. Richmond. The red force was commanded by Lieut.-Colonel Wolfe, and the blue force by Major Bloomfield. The manoeuvres were smartly carried out and resulted in the blue force being completely surrounded by Colonel Wolfe. The blues numbered 100 mounted men and one gun. while the. total forces defending numbered some 1000. Men oil ail the forces worked admirably, taking a keen interest in the work and carrying out orders with enthusiasm. The day was hot and muggy, and it tried the stamina of the men to the fullest, but they were quite equal to the task. Lord Kitchener, who was mounted, was keenly interested in the work of the two armies. At noon he gave the order to cease fire and the mimic battle was at an end. Lord s Kitchener , who was accompanied by Colonel Kirkpatrick, did not address the officers alter the fighting, as is usually done by an umpire, but drove straight to the Veterans’ Home, and his views on the day’s work have not yet been communicated to the authorities.

VISIT TO THE VETERANS’ HOME. Just before noon Lord Kitchener paid a visit to the Veterans’ Home and there reviewed the Veterans. The I ield-Marshal made some brief mention of the medals pinned on the proud old soldiers’- breasts'. TO THE DOMINION. LORD KITCHENER’S MESSAGE. . THE CADET SYSTEM. VOLUNTEER ZEAL. Auckland, March 2. On the conclusion oi his official visit 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 lias enjoyed his visit to the Dominion, where he has been so cordially received. The New Zealand cadet system sti uok him as admirable m every way, as it undoubtedly improves the physical development ot the boys, and by the discipline inculcated gives them an excellent preparation for their future careers. I’lie keenness lor training shown by the volunteer forces is an excellent presage for the future efficiency of the defence force about to be organised. THE REPORT READY. MINISTERS TO CONSIDER FIRST. Lord Kitchener’s report on his inspection of the New Zealand forces has been received by the Prime Minister, but it will not lie available for publication until it has been perused by each member of the Ministry.