Page 2 Advertisements Column 8

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6704, 18 November 1889, Page 2

Gbncbaxi Edwards' Export. — The i Auckland Herald understands that Major* General Edwards' report on the Colonial Forces . was poßted on Tuesday to . the Government, with whom will remain the decision as to whether it should be made known to the public The General, after going through the Colony and seeing the whole of the Colonial Forces, has oome to the conclusion that the physique of the men ig good, but the organisation defective. He considers that the standing and efficiency of officers, would be increased by the elective element being eliminated ; that the officers should pasa a severe examination, and be nominated by the Government, the Defence Minister of course being responsible for the fitness of the appointments; and the forces should be partially paid as in the other Colonies. The General is in favour of Sir Parkes* views as to Federation, and that New Zealand should be in the confederacy. Bis suggestions as far as known are that there should be an Australasian division, with a general officer in command, the "fortress corpa" being mobile, and that the commissions should be from the Queen, New Zealand Bhould have a comuandanfc. also an Imperial officer for its forces. The forte, as forte, he regards as excellent pieces of fortification, bat is of opinion that in time of war ifc would be impossible to defend .more than- the lout ceatiea of Wttftw. ; :.:;•'■-. ,•;,;■.;;• , : .-,