THE NATIONAL RESERVE.

Colonist, Volume LV, Issue 13647, 12 February 1913, Page 5

THE NATIONAL RESERVE.

INEFFICIENCY OF THE TERRI-

TORIALS

CONCENTRATION ON NAVAL

DEFENCE.

(Received Feb. 11, 11.5 p.m.) ' London, Feb. 11

Lord Herschel said that in addition to the 253,000 Territorials, the National Reserve numbered 190,000. Th& Government wae convinced that proper pro-

vision had been made against particular dangers, and that it was able to guarantee that th© country, wae safeguarded.

Lord Roberts eaid as a soldier it was nonsense to say that the Territorials were fit for war.

Lord Mesfchuon said that if both parties appealed to the country for compulsory training he believed tlhe system'would be accepted.

Lord Haldane eaid' the Government had concentrated on naval defence owing to the impossibility to organise the military in any way to relieve the Navy. If a compulsory array were raised they' would be unable to maintain the ov«rseae forces on a: voruritary,- basifli'f Tie proclamation of inefficiency had produced a bad impression abroad. •

Lord Lanadowne said that what was needed was an unlimited supply of half manufactured isoldiers, which would' be obtained by compulsory; school training.