THE NEW DEFENCE BOARD.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXX, Issue 12002, 20 October 1906, Page 5

THE NEW DEFENCE BOARD.

Probable Appointments.

(Per United Press Association).

WELLINGTON, October 19. , Under the new Defence Bill, which was introduced into the House of Representatives by the Premier this week, provision is made for a Board of four members to control military matters in the colony. It is rumoured that the Board will probably consist of Colonels Robin, C.8., Davis, C.8., and Collins, and Mr George Gray. The two first-named officers will be the military experts of the Board, holding equal powers. Colonel Collins will be the financial expert, and Mr Gray, who has been clerk of the Defence Department for many years, will be the Board's secretary. In selecting one of the officers of the Treasury as the financial member of the Board, the Government will be following the Australian precedent. It is further announced that the position of InspectorGeneral, which is' also to be created under the Defence Bill, will not be filled for some time, and that an Imperial officer will be selected. As the Premier (Sir Joseph Ward) will visit England in connection with the Imperial Conference of Premiers, which is to be held in London in April next, it is not unlikely that the Government may hold over the appointment of the Inspector-General until the Premier has personally conferred with the military authorities at Home. The names of Majors Maddocks and Owen are mentioned in connection with the latter position: