OVERHAUL OF DEFENCE

Taranaki Daily News, 21 July 1933, Page 7

OVERHAUL OF DEFENCE

NEW ZEALAND PROPOSALS GOVERNMENT’S DISQUIETUDE EMPHASIS ON AIR STRENGTH “EXPENDITURE ESSENTIAL” (By Wire —Special to News.) ■Wellington, Last Night. It is stated authoritatively to-day that the New Zealand Government has in view a thorough overhaul of the defence system with a view to strengthening the Dominion’s position in the Pacific, and that concrete proposals are in course of preparation and will be placed before Cabinet when completed. While it is agreed that the volunteer system has been successful up to a point it is believed that the Government views the present position with some disquietude and holds the opinion that steps to place the defence system on a sounder basis are essential. A cable announces that the Australian Government has decided on reorganisation of the Commonwealth forces in line with recent development in the British Army. The plans include the training of militia forces in peace time in the use of mechanised units with a view to extension of the organisation in.time of war. It is too early yet to indicate the lines that will be followed in New Zealand, but the Australian plans are bound to be examined. Proposals affecting New Zealand have not yet extended beyorjd the preliminary stage. The principal officers of the Defence Department, it is believed, are being asked to make an examination of the position and to report to the Minister of Defence (the Hon. J. G. Cobbe). It will then be for Mr. Cobbe to submit proposals to Cabinet. . IMPORTANCE OF AVIATION. It is understood that in any general defence scheme emphasis will be laid on air defence, which is regarded as being of the utmost importance in New Zealand. The Government already has before it definite proposals for the establishment of a chain of aerodromes throughout New Zealand, and a report as to their possible location and the ■ cost that will be involved in their preparation is receiving the attention of the' Director of Air Services (Squadron-Leader T. M. Wilkes). The. proposal was first placed before the Government by the New Zealand Aero Club, and there is reason to believe that it has been very favourably received. Colonel F. Symon, Director of Artillery, is in Australia discussing with the Commonwealth Government the question of " supplying New Zealand’s requirements in gun ammunition and military equipment, and it is possible that advantage will be taken of his presence there to discuss other defence questions with the authorities. No doubt he will return to New Zealand fully acquainted with the Australian defence proposals, which have been outlined by the Commonwealth Minister of Defence (Senator Sir George Pearce). , COASTAL DEFENCE TRAINING. Recently the Government decided to send Captain S. S. J. Duff, adjutant of the Coast Artillery Group, to England to attend a gunnery staff course. He will receive special training in coast defence and medium field, light and anti-aircraft artillery. Captain Duff is the first New Zealand officer to be sent abroad since 1925-26 for similar training. Naturally a very important aspect-of any scheme of defence reorganisation is that of finance, and it was largely owing to that factor that New Zealand curtailed its defence scheme and placed it on a vo’untary basis. It is now felt, however ,that the position is such that extra expenditure on defence is essential in order that New Zealand can play its. part in the general scheme of 'Empire defence; in other words, other factors than that of finance enter into the question.