The Army Estimates Memorandum, which was issued on Wednesday, shows
a total of £27,860,000, as compared with £27,690,000 last year, or an increase of £170,000. This increase is due to the growth of the provision for aviation services. In regard to the National Reserve, which we note with satisfaction now stands at 76,000, the Memorandum speaks as follows
" This body is primarily a register kept by the County Associa- tions of trained officers and soldiers divided into three classes— those fit to join a combatant unit for service in the field, those fit for combatant duty in garrisons or for administrative work, and those honorary members retained on the register for social pur- poses or for the good influence they are in a position to exert in matters affecting our military organization. Most exemplary energy has been displayed in many parts of the country in the task of forming this register. On February 1st, 1912, the num- bers registered in Great Britain had reached 76,000. An organiza- tion for extending the register to Ireland is under consideration. This Reserve is not intended to become a third-line Army, and the individuals composing it undertake no liability to serve when called upon ; but it will be of the greatest use in enabling the military authorities, in case of need, to lay hands promptly on the large quantity of valuable trained material that has hitherto been allowed to pass beyond their ken."
Though the above paragraph is very carefully worded, it is a great advance upon the attitude previously adopted by the War Office, and shows that the National Reserve has already become part of the forces assigned to national defence.
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