LORD KITCHENER’S VISIT

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLIV, Issue 10, 9 March 1910, Page 7

LORD KITCHENER’S VISIT

The Field Marshal’s Inspection—What Does it Signify ?

LESSONS FROM THE TRIP

(From Onr Military Correspondent.)

THE visit of Lorod Kitchener to New Zealand constitutes an epoch in the defence history of the Dominion. It must, of course, be recognised that Lord Kitchener has not come to this Dominion merely to report upon the defence of New Zealand from a purely parochial point of view. He looks upon this Dominion as an integral portion of the Empire, and his sole object has been to judge how far we are capable of assisting in the general scheme of Imperial defence.

of preparing a defence scheme against every likely portion of the British Empire. If he were not aware of the organisation, resources, and assistance we are in a position to provide in case of an attack, his information would be incomplete. With the object of gaining this information he has visited the Australasian colonies. Lord Kitchener has not come to New Zealand for the purpose of witnessing ceremonial parades and holding reviews. His sole object has been to ascertain our lighting efficiency’, and nobody can justly complain if his comment be not entirely favourable. On the contrary, if we be in earnest, it is our duty to accept all he tells us in good part and to profit thereby. The Field-Marshal has come here with the object of satisfying himself as to the best means of putting ourselves upon a proper footing of defence. In coming to the colonies, Lord Kitchener has availed himself of the assistance of his Chief Staff Officer, Colonel Fitzpatrick, who, three years ago, made a thorough inspection of our defences. He knew what he had to expect before he came to New Zealand, and in framing his report, he fully understood the strategical relationship between New Zealand and Australia. It is obvious that Lord Kitchener attaches very little importance to the fixed defences of Dunedin, and the inference to be derived therefrom is that, in his opinion, Dunedin is outside the strategical zone of attack. The Field-Marshal, however, paid especial attention to tho

That, first and foremost, has been the object of Lord Kitchener’s visit. We sent troops to South Africa, and some of them came into immediate touch with the famous Field-Marshal, -but we have to remember that our troops had no organisation and no training. It was indeed fortunate that our enemy also was untrained.

Our success in South Africa blinded us to the fact that we were unfitted to operate against any modern trained and organised army. The Imperial authorities, however, recognised the excellent material we possessed, if only it were trained and organised. As a component part of the Empire, it is our duty to be prepared not only to defend the Dominion, but also to assist in the defence of any part of the Empire, be it South Africa, Canada, India, or any other place where the flag flies. Lord Kitchener, as chief of the Imperial General Staff, has been faced with the difficult problem

field forces, and was obviously impressed with the excellent material presented to him. From Dunedin he went to Christchurch, where he undoubtedly found the defence to be out of date.’ The field force there came in for severe criticism for the way they were handled in the field and for the very limited training they had received. In Wellington, owing to the inclement weather, no official visit was paid to the forte, although Lord Kitchener made a private visit. Here the field force was larger than elsewhere, being reinforced from the West Coast. But Lord Kitchener was far from satisfied with tho way they were handled. The tactics on one side were particularly bad.

In Auckland the Field-Marshal has had the opportunity of seeing the largest muster of cadets, and the forts have received special attention, indicating the great importance attached to this port. On Wednesday the tactics and general plan of operations of our field force compared more than favourably with what Lord Kitchener experienced in any other district. Of course, many details were defective, and this the critical eye of the Field-Marshal perceived, but nevertheless Auckland acquitted itself better than any other part of the Dominion.

There are many who criticise the efficiency of our forces who forget the rapid strides made by all branches of the service -in the past few years. However, our forces are not efficient, and they never can ibe under the system which hitherto has prevailed. Not a commander, not a Defence Council, not Lord Kitchener himself could make our defence efficient, simply because at present insufficient time is devoted to training. Soldiering is a profession, and a highly scientific one. Life is too short for a man -to qualify himself for two professions, and that is the reason why at present we have too many inefficient civilian officers. We have to remember, also, that the efficiency of the man at the head does not count <so much as ths efficiency of each individual soldier. The keynote of our defence system must bo efficiency every where, and experience has proved that the voluntary system does not conduce towards efficiency. It is, in fact, impossible for volunteers to lie efficient. Whatever Lord Kitchener may recommend for greater efficiency, it is certain that he will demand increased sacrifice of time for training. The question of training officers is a very complex one. It has been suggested that -a professional -chair should be established in our University Colleges. But that will not produce efficient officers. What is required is a system of local military schools staffed with competent officers to give practical rather than academical training. For the higher officers Lord Kitchener has already indicated Unit wo should co-operate with Australia by sending our officers to undertake a course of military training at the College to -be established in the Commonwealth. Thiis is a valuable suggestion. The capture of either New Zealand or Australia by an enemy -would mean the ultimate defeat of both countries owing to our common trade routes. The appointment of officers from the ranks has already received Lord Kitchener’s approval. This must certainly engage the attention of the Government under the new scheme. The inadequately small pay of officers has been specially referred to owing to the fact that it is not likely to attract to the -permanent staff the best men. One may agren in this view, subject to the proviso that the pay of the defence forces should absolutely -be based upon efficiency and examination results. There should be no room for incompetent officers. Defence should be organised entirely independent of party politics. The elimination of the influence of individual members of Parliament is essential. To revert to the general observations made by Lord Kitchener, it is obvious that N.C.O.’s and men will be required to devote more time to training in th« field. In every district he visited the Field Marshal noted the excellent ma terial, but he commented upon the deficient training and tactical ability of tho troops in the field. Tho only way in which to overcome this is to devote more •time to training. Next comes organisation. This, probably, ir- one of the most difficult problems to be faced. To enable our troops in time of war to take a share in Imperial defence it will be necessary to provide an expedition of force sufficiently large to resist invasion. A few years ago it was considered that all we required was a military force sufficient to resist a raiding party, butt now

that idea is exploded. If any force attacks this country it will be large enough to hold this port as a base for further military operations We have got to face the problem of resisting an invading and not merely a raiding force, and at present our numbers are totally inadequate for that purpose. The manner in which the troops should bo handled will, of course, be oirtlined in Lord Kitchener’s confidential report. As previously stated, Lord Kitchener has been deeply impressed with our cadets. There can be no doubt that the cadet system is good, because it breeds in the boys a military spirit. But the Field-Marshal, 4s a matter of fact, at* taches very little importance to tire cadet movement unless it be followed by immediate subsequent training. Under the new system about to be inaugurated this will be provided for. and the public school cadet systems will merge into the senior cadets.

With regard to our fixed defences, Lord Kitchener’s report will, of course,

be of a confidential nature. Lt will, no doubt, provide especially for the adequate defence of Auckland. The science of fortification, like every other science, is progressive, and forts put up ten years ago, owing to changes in methods of attack, are out of date. The changes necessary in fortification naturally go hand in hand with changes in naval policy. A few years ago naval power in the Pacific called only for a few cruisers. Now-, and in the near future, with the cutting of the Panama Canal, Auckland will be in a strategical zone calling for battleships of the largest types. Therefore, guns of larger calibre and forts in more advanced positions will be required to cope with vessels firing from distant positions upon our docks. .Strategically, Auckland is the most important place in New Zealand, and in an attack upon New Zealand, Auckland and Wellington are the most probable objectives —but especially Auckland, owing to its vulnerability and close proximity to the Pacific trade routes.