NEW ZEALAND DEFENCE.

Colonist, Volume LII, Issue 12739, 10 March 1910, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND DEFENCE.

LOUD KITCHENER'S REPORT

I United Pees* Association.]

Rotorua, March 9

The report of Field Marshal Lord Kitchener upon tha defence of New Zealand was to-day handed by tJic Prime Minister (Sir Joseph Ward) to a special representative of the "New. Zealand Herald," who waited upon nim at Rotorua in order to secure i:< air Joseph Ward also gave the "Herald" representative an interesting '.n---terview in which he discussed the probable cost to the Dominion of adopting Lord Kitchener's scheme, besides other aspects of the questions raised.

The Field Marshal's report in -.ha main consists of an application to New. Zealand of part of his Australian defence report, but it is accompanied by the following covering letter, dated -Harch 2nd, and addressed to Sir Joseph Ward:

•'Dear Sir Joseph Ward — "I do not think it is necessary to write you a special memorandum on the defence of i\ti\v Zealand, as from what I hava seen during my inspection the necessity for improved training is- just as equally marked in this country as it Is iv Australia. It appears to me that ror your land forces New Zealand and Australia should adopt homogeneous military systems in order to be able to .jifecietidy support one another in tho event of national danger. The desirability of sucb. co-operation, is evident by reason of the geographical position or the two countries. ■ Moreover, tho young men of New Zealand and. Australia, though showing some markedly diiferent characteristics, are in both countries splendid - material for the creating of a first rate fighting machine tor the conditions of their country life are very similar,producing successful pioneers accustomed to make the hand supply the wants, of man. I think, therefore, that uniformity in training and establishments of units as well aa the closest ties of comradeship in the armed land forces of Now Zealand and Australia should bo fostered in everjway.

"These considerations point to New Zealand sending those cadots destined to be instructors of her citizens to the Australian West Point College, which, I have recommended the Commonwealth Government should institute, and which I believe they are about to establish. It is quite evident that the wants of New Zealand in this respect are not sufficieint to create a college where training of the nature required can be properly imparted. "This will be seen from the fact that working on the lines suggested for Australia, a suitable, number of areaa for New Zealand would be about 55, i.e. approximately thirty in tho North Island and 25 in the South Island. Each area should of course provide the same quotas as are recommended for Australia, and it follows that the permanent instructional officers required for area work alone would be 55 subalterns and captains, and six majors. The thirty permanent officers now employed, with the permanent forces, district and headquarters staffs, will also be wanted. I should therefore recomment an eventual establishment for the New Zealand staff corps of a hundred officers, being the ninety-one accounted for above, plus ten per cent to allow the deputation of officers to train with units in India and the United Kingdom, sickness, etc. By ranks this establishment will work out at, colonels 3; lieutenant-colonels 6; ma'wrs 13; captains 26; lieutenants 52; total 100. The maintenance of this number will require an annual supply of about five officers, so that to allow for the selection of the best men I would recommend that New Zealand should send ten cadets annually to the; Australian college, from whom would ulti-* lnately be chosen candidates for commissions in the Staff Corps.

"You.have so recently had the views of the War Office 011 the land forces of New Zealand that Ido not deem it necessary to point out the considerations which goyern the defence of this Dominion. You will find, however, that part I of the project which I gave to the Commonwealth Government, . and which I now enclose and Tecommend to you, does not differ from the War Office memorandum in any matters of importance, but it will, I hope, afford youa practical scheme for giving effect) to your defence measures.

"At the risk of petetitioh I wish again to emphasise the importance of placing the ideal of your defence on as high a standard of efficiency as possible, in order that the men serving as well as the public may have a just pride in the fighting value of the force, and so insist upon the observance of the important principle- that defence; should be outside party politics and not used by individuals for political purposes. A thoroughly trained and efficiently equipped force should be the supreme object of your efforts, and no personal consideration should for a moment be allowed to stand in the way. "It only remains for me to thank you most sincerely for the facilities afforded me on my visit, and for the assistance which I have everywhere received in tho inspection of your defences and troops. I shall always remember with much gratification my association with the forces of this Dominion; I shall follow their progress with the keenest interest, and I shall bo only too glad at any time to give such advice or assistance that may be required and in my power. "I forward herewith a separate confidential communication on the subject of the fixed defences of New Zealand. "Yours very truly, "Kitchener."

Part I of Lord Kitchener's report id the Federal Government may be summarised as follows :—

The total sum of £1,742,000 contemplated by the Act, the Field Marshal thinks, will cover tho case under working conditions. Lord Kitchener estimates the land forces required at 80,000 fighting troops efficiently trained, armed, and equipped. Half would secure the larger cities and defended ports from attack, the other half operating as a mobile striking force. Six clear days are lived for camp training in peace, in addition to homo training. Tho nation is asked to take a pride in its defences and make tho faroes an integral part of the national lifo. It is emphatically laid down that the citizen forces should be kept outside party politics. Recruits should be drawn impartially from all parts of the country and from the whole of the community. The populated portions of Australia are to be divided into 215 areas, from which the national forces will bo drawn in quotas. The responsibilities of the area officer will make it a national necessity that he should be selected irrespective of social consideration. Nothing but efficiency, should effect his selection and promotion. He should be judged by results alone. The 215 are to be subdivided into 10 areas, and each placed -under the supervision of permanent instruction officers. Lord Kitchener bases his ideas for a military college on tho Military College of West Point, America. A staff corps, to be drawn entirely from the college, is to provide the permanent officers required, who will also go abroad to study. The full staff will consist of 190 lieutenants, 90 captains, 50 majors, 13 lieutenanWJOfc onels, and seven colonels. "If men os the right stamp are to be attracted td the-corps," Lord Kitchener says, "the: pay must be good." The cost of the college in full working order iB esti-* mated at £15,050 per annum. p Stresa is laid on the advice that political interference in the management of the college should be strictly avoided* Candidates for training at the college are to be selected from the most capable of the senior cadets. A cadet having joined, his parents are to pay £80 per anntlm for board and lodging, instruction, etc. Upon, the. completion of his course the cadet is to be given his commission and sent either to In* dia or England. It is recommended that the citizen officer should be selected from the' mo.st promising material procurable. The sole qualities in selec-. tion laid down are, youth, capacity, fOJ

leadership, military knowledge and devotion to duty. Lord Kitchener agrees with the principle laid down in the Defence Act that in the citizen forces all promotions should be made from the ranks. Continuance of the organisation of the military districts, with tlieir commandants and staffs, is also recommended. Lord Kitchener accepts tho military board system as he finds it: but says that the Nvork needs careful allotment. He lays it down that no subject other than a matter or notary policy should be put before the board. Suggestions are made^to-the duties of tne InspectorcGeneral, which appointment is to . be_oontinued. by the addition of £100,000 lor miscellaneous services, Lord Kitchener estimates the cost of the whole scheme at £1,884,000 annually.