/_.—4. It is a far cry from the old days when one talked of self-realization, is it not ? I make no claim to be a good soldier, but I think perhaps that I may be beginning to be one, for if I am asked now whether I " loathe militarism in all its forms " I will think that " the answer is in the negative." I will go even further and say that I hope that some of the, discipline and self-subordination that have availed to send men calmly to their death in war will survive in the days of peace, and make of those who are left better citizens, better workmen, better servants of the State, better Churchmen. E. -Teaching and Maintenance of Discipline. The reasons for discipline in every walk of life are well known. From childhood all arc, or should be, disciplined, and it is not believed that any rational person disputes the necessity for discipline, the only difference of opinion being the standard of discipline that it is necessary to produce in any particular profession, &c. In the fighting services of a civilized, country it has almost invariably been the practice to try and produce the highest standard of discipline. This is essential, as discipline instils obedience and vice versa, and it, will be found that under the most trying conditions of discomfort, danger, &c, the human machine will not fail. Discipline in the past has probably mostly been obtained by fear of punishment. Nowadays, owing to improvements in education, discipline can be obtained and maintained much more readily by the personal character of those in authority than by the, exercise of punishment. It is essential that those in authority should be possessed of imagination and sense of humour, more particularly the more senior officers, and they must always be ready to set an example by never sparing themselves for the good of the service. Power of command is usually learnt by experience, but it is recommended that junior officers should be instructed in this all-important matter more, than is the case at present., There must be a good reason for every order that is given, and the reason should be explained to the men where this is possible. Good seed can frequently be sown in, this direction by explanation to petty officers and others ; it soon gets round. Petty officers, leading rates, and others must be taught to lead and direct others and to combine firmness with tact. Parades and many other forms of close-order discipline must never be neglected.

Authority : Marcus F. Marks, Government Printer, Wellington.-—1919.