THE TERRITORIALS.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1065, 2 March 1911, Page 2

THE TERRITORIALS.

COMMUNICATIONS BRANCH.' Lieut. Hulbert, district statf signalling officer, who lias just completed ail inspection of the garrison signallers, has issued a repqrt upon their work. After refernng to tlie various corps individually, he states that although a great improvemont has taken place, tho standard of efficiency is not yet as high as it should be. Th-a men seemed to rccognisc this, and were most attentive to his criticisms. He recommended that in future the men should be examined while in camp. The signallers of all units are now. under tho supervision o£ the district signalling officer, and more uniformity should be the result. Tho ordinary, individual has no idea of the time a man must bo prepared to sacrifice if he wishes to become an efficient signaller. No man can qualify simply by attending company "parades. Many baturdays and Sundays must be spent in practice, both day and night, before a man can present himself for examination. And it is work, too, that a man cannot, learn, by himself. Ho must have someone to practise with, Tho men in the signalling, branch of the servicO nro enthusiasts. More attention should be given to communication work generally. In tho past it has invariably been a weak point. He suggests that sometime when the troops are assembled together they be tested in this work. Orders either for attack or defence could bo issued, the main idea of the day's operations, however, boing "co-oncration in the field." The two signal companies hold their annual camps at the same time and. place. It is absolutely essential, states Lieut. Hulbert, that the mci, know how to work together, and this can only be acquired by actual experience in the iield.

Buring the past two years the following matters have received attention i-" Tho R.N.Z.A.. 'instructors and . sergeants of sections were assembled together anda uniform system of instruction adopted. The Communications Club was .formed, a syllabus of lectures drawn up, social functions held, aud two cups purchased for annual competition. Brigade signallers were taken out to Johnsonyille for riding- lessons., .In order that. tlio men should know how to pack .their equipment, a pack-horse with saddlery was availublo on certain parade nights; Dur-. ing tlio summer months tho., signallers' travelled up the lino on Sundays m order to gain a knowledge; of the. topography of the country.' Suitable signalling stations were connected up, and a map prepared showing the positions. Semaphore courses were held for N.C.O.'s and men of tho garrison. Lectures., pij,.,. cojJtfnunication matters generally wero delivered at tho Officers' Club. A great deal yet- remains to bo done, .but provided the keen spirit which exists among the men to-day con-' linues, and tho necessary "instructors tiro available,:.the end of ; tho year should see. their branch of the service in a still moro efficient condition: A lecture will bo delivered to all instructors at an early date on points noticed, during the recent inspection.