COMMANDANT OF THE FORGES

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12735, 3 September 1919, Page 7

COMMANDANT OF THE FORGES

GENERAL ROBIN’S REPORT. COMMITTEE OF ADVICE. j (Special to the C 1 Star.”) ( ‘WELLINGTON, September 3-Major-General Sir Alfred Robin makes the following recommendations in his annual report which was presented to Parliament yesterday, for the setting up of a committee to advise the Government on policy matters of defence : . * The estimates for the year 1919-20 will be prepared’ on pre-war requirements, under the Defence Act, awaiting development of policy for the future -n regard to sea, 'air and land defences, based.on the Peace Treaty and general experience, gained during the war. ‘‘ In this conriection the formation, of a representative defence committee, directly advisory to the Government through the Minister of Defence, to study the world’s sea, land and air strategical problems is worthy of consideration- In making this suggestion I have in mind the following functions which such a committee might fulfil:— “(a). To . ensure the collection of strategical information, its expert and careful consideration in relation to New Zealand defence, and for the transmission of well balanced and impartial advice to the Government. “ (b) To enable the Commander and Administrator of the. Defence Forces to concentrate on their true functions of training and administering the forces authorised by Parliament to a state of the highest possible efficiency. “ (c) To assist in continuing the principles of coalition in regard to defence matters "which has proved so successful during the great war. “ (d) To continue the policy initiated during the war of co-ordination with business firms, factories, manufacturers and producers, in order to ensure ready development and ample supplies of equipment, clothing: supplies, and munitions', land and sea transport, etc., against any future mobilisation. “ (e) To ensure direct economy in all the above matters in respect to all services of defence, both m peace and war.” A proposal for the reduction of the years for the training of Territorials is made. At present, says Mjjjor-General Robin, young men are habld to serve in the Territorial array from their eighteenth to their twenty-fifth birthday. It is proposed to reduce the seven years’ period of service to three years. Major-General Robin states:—“ The Territorial and cadet forces have been carried on. Every endeavour was made to meet the various industries and the shortage of labour when the necessity for more reinforcements ceased and Territorial camps and concentrations lor the year were cancelled to still further meet commercial and pastoral industries. The experience gained amply proved that a more concentrated period of training at the ages of eighteen to twenty inclusive instead of extending over the ages of eighteen to twentyfive as at present, is very desirable. A condensing of the seven years’ present training obligations into three' years would, 1 feel sure, prove much more economical and convenient to industries and pastoral affairs. “In further reference to reducing the years of liability on account of the uncertainty as. to the date of return of camp equipment, accoutrements, arms, guns and stores, etc-, which were sent abroad with the Expedi tiortary Force, and the natural necessity for post-war reorganisation, the training of the Territorial forces for the year ending May, 1920, must be continued on the present regulations and somewhat similar to this year. This will enable a policy for sea and air defence to he discussed and formulated. The suggested reconstruction of training our land‘forces above outlined should bo considered, at the same time absolute co-ordination of the three services being an. essential factor in regard to economical administration and finding of the personnel.”