OFFICERS' COMMIS-SIGNS.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LX, Issue 20474, 2 October 1915, Page 4

OFFICERS' COMMISSIGNS.

HOW THEY ARE OBTAINED,

MINISTER EXPLAINS THE SYSTEM.

(By Telegraph—Special to Chronicle) WELLINGTON, Oct. 1. An explanation of the method of selection of officers was given by the Defence Minister to-day in.reply v to a question in the House of Representatives. Mr W. A. Veitch asked the Minister to explain to the House the method of selection of officers for the reinforcements, and to explain also why more consideration was nob given to<veterans from the South African war.

The Hon. James Allen said the method of selection was that those who hold commissions in the Territorial forces have the preference, because tney all now hold commissions, but they have to stand the test of training in camp before having their commissions confirmed.

An Hon. Member: And pass examinations? *• ■

Mr Allen: They have all had their examinations before they come in. Every officer in the Territorial 'forces has to pass an examination before getting his commission. However, these officers do not meet the whole of the demand, and suitable men are invited to apply. They come in on therreconiniendation of the officer commanding the district, afid they are* sent as noncommissioned officers to a special training camp along with the'officers," five weeks before the men of the force-to which they are to be posted, come in. They go through a special course for five w^eeks, and towards the end- of that period they are.allowed to; sit for a commission. If they pass that exam, ination, and if there is room for them in the contingent to which they belong they are granted commissions in that body. Some of them are allowed to'remain, if they so desire, to go as commissioned officers with the next draft.Most of them, however, prefer to go with their own force as non-commission-ed officers. Ido not. know of any ; mor» satisfactory way of appointing suitable officers. It is said that many youthful men are being appointed as officers, but it must be recollected that these forces are going as reinforcements, and th© commanding officer, who has with him many officers who have been tested in actual war, does not want many senior officers. He wants junior officers. So far as I know, the young officers of the Territorial Force are good officers, and though there may be here and there one without the strength of character possessed by, the others,, that .happens everywhere, not only in New Zealand. Dr Newman repeated the question about the South African veterans..

Mr Allen: They get exactly the same chances as others. If they hold commissions they may go in with those colnmissions. If they do.not hold commissions, they must come in as.non-com-missioned officers and take their chance with the others.