AUSTRALIA IN ARMS

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 318, 18 February 1910, Page 5

AUSTRALIA IN ARMS

LORD KITCHENER'S REPORT,

By Cable—Press Association.—Copyright Melbourne, February 17.

The main portion of Lord Kitchener's report will be available for publication in a few days. There will be a confidential report as well as a document embodying advice on the question of organisation. It is understood that the carrying out of the recommendation will involve a great increase in the military estimates' and some sweeping changes in the 'personnel.

While the scheme fits into the new Defence Act as far as the main principles are concerned, some important amendments have to be made to give full effect to it. Kitchener proposes to abolish the military districts, to regroup the militia, and to institute a system of compulsory trained levies, after a plan having special regard for strategical considerations. He supports in an expanded form the Government's scheme for the establishment of small arms and cordite factories, and military colleges, and is said to favor the acquisition of the Coloißal Ammunition Company's works or otherwise complete the Governmental management of cartridge-making. He als'o proposes to increase the ammunition reserves in all parts of the Commonwealth, to create centres of a given number of self-dependent, fullyequipped army corps capable of movement at any moment to any danger point, and recommends the fortification of several independent coastal points.

Further, he recommends a close association of the railway systems' with the defence organisation, and advocates

an early construction of the transcon tinental railway. \ Sydney, February 17.'

Speaking at Inverell, Mr Deakin, Federal Premier, declared that Lord Kitchener's scheme studied economy without sacrificing efficiency, 'putting aside all decorative effect of militarism. It was framed for the purpose of those desiring to defend their hearthstones and those dear to them.

Referring to the necessity for more people, and while favoring the immigration proposals, he emphasised that what the country wanted was more of its own 'people —more Australians. It would surely be possible for Australia to devise a policy by which, instead of a child being regarded as an encumbrance, it would be welcomed as a valuable asset.

Touching on the Northern Territory, he said unless it was speedily peopled they would have to see to its defence by the establishment of military barracks.