CALL TO SERVICE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 168, 3 June 1940, Page 5

CALL TO SERVICE

TERRITORIAL FORCE SPLENDID RESPONSE IN DISTRICT It was revealed by the Officer Commanding the First Hauraki Regiment, Lieutenant-Colonel W. A. G. Penlington, at a parade of Territorials held in Whakalane last week that as a result of the splendid response from the Edgecumbe district, it was decided to establish a training centre at that township. Hitherto the trainees have been so enthusiastic that individuals have been travelling up to 14 miles nightly to attend parades in Whakatane. In spite of the scattered nature of the district, it is now able to maintain ti, full platoon of 30 men, while Awakeri is training almost a full troop of mounted rifles. Community Can Assist. It is pointed out that, 011 its new basis, the territorial force provides an excellent medium by means of which able-bodied men who are anxious to perform an essential ser-

vice, can secure very necessary training. 'The territorials can receive three classes of men (1) men in reserved occupations who cannot volunteer for overseas service, but who can undergo useful military training without interfering with their vocations; (2) married men with dependents Avho do not feel justified in enlisting at the present moment, but who would, nevertheless, be glad to do service which would fit them for home defence; (3) men under the enlistment age of 21. The age for territorials is between 18 years and 32 years, and within this class falls a very large number of able-bodied men who should form the basis of an effectively trained military force. It is stressed by the military au j thorities that a great deal can be done by members of the community generally to assist territorial recruiting, not only by encouraging men to join but by organising an energetic and enthusiastic territrial association to cater for the social side of the men's training activities.