The Bay of Plenty Beacon Published Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays. MONDAY, AUGUST 28th, 1939. TRAINING OF RESERVISTS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 1, Issue 55, 28 August 1939, Page 4

The Bay of Plenty Beacon Published Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays. MONDAY, AUGUST 28th, 1939. TRAINING OF RESERVISTS

AT a moment when Europe: prepares to face a crisis even more grave than last year's because on this occasion there will be no retreat before threats of force, every unit of the Empire has to look to its defences with realism and resolution. Unfortunately in New Zealand the period of transition from the consolidated to the revived regimental units has coincided with this anxious period and has placed a heavy burden of reorganisation on an adequate staff corps, which find's the task of handling the additional 7000 volunteers a. real test. Nevertheless, slowly but steadily order is being created out of something approaching chaos and the task of training the Dominion's new citizen army is now beginning all over the country although the military machine must needs creak and' strain at the start. Although New Zealand has been late in her effort to place her land forces upon a basis of strength more fitted to the stressful times, there are to be no .more delays, and it is satisfactory to note that the train ing of reservists (Class 1 and II), is now to be put in hand. Such an announcement should help to arouse new interest in the National Military Reserve. The reserve ha.s a vital part to play in the defence of New Zealand, and the approach of a fresh period of international danger •should not make necessary any further appeal to fill the ranks of the reservists, especially the Class I and II men, who alone can give strength and reality, in an emergency to New Zealand's skeleton territorial force.