Overhaul of Fiji Defence

Full Time Officers and Instructors From NZ

From Our Own Correspondent SUVA, March 28.

COLONEL C. L. Pleasants, DSO, MC, ED, a New Zealand Army officer, who recently visited Fiji for discus sions with the Government, will return to Suva shortly to take up the position of Commander of the Fiji Military Forces and adviser to the Governor on defence matters.

As a result of the recent discussions the Government has agreed to various pro posals for the reorganisation of the Colony’s defence forces. These include a scheme for recruits to do three months’ full-time Army training before posting to the Territorial Force.

It is hoped to start recruiting before July. Men will be required for artillery and infantry units and they will be re quired to serve on- the active list for at least three years.

In the early stages the intake will be small but the scheme will operate fully when new quarters can be built. New Zealand is sending instructors and key personnel.

There will be vacancies for a few regu lar soldiers who will gradually replace New Z-ealand personnel and it is hoped to build up the Regular force of instruc tors and key personnel as much as pos sible from local men.

Pay and conditions of service are now under review and will be settled before enlistments are called for.

The Fiji Royal Naval Volunteer Re serve will start training as soon as its headquarters can be constructed and equipment brought from New Zealand.