LORD KITCHENER'S REPORT.

Colonist, Volume LII, Issue 12723, 19 February 1910, Page 3

LORD KITCHENER'S REPORT.

SUMMARY OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS. iFbess Association— Cofyuioui-.J (Received Feb. 18, 5.5 p.m.) Sydney, i'eu. io. A summary of .Lord iutcliener's report is published. It pays a tribute to the excellent material for defence, and the.; keenness shown oy the ioroes, while in camp, but states that the present forces arc inadequate as regards . numbers, training, organisation, ajid munitions. "While the small population if a -danger, the new Defence Act will give sufficient numbers to defend the country eirectively if efficiently trained, organised, and equipped. . The annual cost when the froce is in full 'working order would be practically the same as the total contemplated under the Defence Act, viz., £1,742, OUO. Tho necessary land forces are estimated at. 80,000, organised into 84 battalions of infantry ; 28 regiments of light horse ; 48 four gun field batteries; 7 four-gun heavy .and howitzer batteries j seven communication companies ; fourteen field companies, and engineers. The summary favours military colleges with staff corps. There are a number of other recommendations, already cabled. With regard to the organisation and distribution of the forces the report states that the present railway construction, while developing the country, has resulted in lines more favourable to tho enemy than for tho defence of 7 Australia. . . It advocates keeping military affairs free from political influence.