THE NATIONAL RESERVE OF NEW ZEALAND.

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2334, 16 December 1914, Page 7

THE NATIONAL RESERVE OF NEW ZEALAND.

Sir,—Will you kindly give me space' to bring before your readers a- matter which is of some importance to the Dominion? _ Ever since the institution of the National Defence soheme thero has been a desiro, more or less manifest, by thousands of citizens of the country, able both, of body and mind, who through the age limit or other unavoidable disability are prevented from taking the active part they would like to take in that scheme, to make themselves in somo way useful ill the event o{ national eniergoncy. This feeling has crystallised within the last few months in the formation in the districts of Auckland, Canterbury, and Otago, of bodies of men who aro actively preparing themselveß for effective sorvice. The movement has the sympathy and encouragement of the Defence authorities, ' who recognise the advantage of having immediately available in time of crisis an efficient body of trained men at their disposal in each centre, in addition to the organised forces under the Defence Act. Active stops are now being taken in the matter in Wellington. A large number of members are already enrolled, and a meeting is called for Thursday evening next at the Chamber of Commerce, when the practical programme of the branch will be put into active train, and an invitation is extended to all those who desire to join the movement to be present. The following extract from a letter from the president of the Ghristchurch Citizens' Defence Corps may be of interest, as showing something of the methods to be adopted by the Reserve: "The Citizens' Defence Corps numbers 1600 of all ages, those between 30 and 60 preponderating. The whole number has been divided up territorially, so as to Buit the local requirements of drill, etc.' Each unitj according to the num--bers in it, is divided into one or more companies of 264 men in each'. Each company elects its own officers and'arranges for its own drill in the different localities. We have one commandant for the whole corps. There is a general oommittee, composed of representatives elected by each unit, and of others who heleped to initiate the movement. Up to the 'present time we have had six general parades of the whole corps, numbering at the last over 1000. We have special classes on Monday and Wednesday in each week under a drill instructor for officers and section commanders and l other mea who have been previously trained for rifle and other drill, for which purposes the Department lends us some rifles. Our organisation is so complete in every respect, thanks to our general secretary, that we were informed by the-Department that in case any national emergency should arise or the militia should 'be called out, our organisation would be recognised. More than half of the men 6ie old Volunteers. There is a unit composed entirely of ex-Engineers. Two hundred motor cyclists, with side cars, have also offered their services."

It is of importance to mention that there is no age limit, and; that previous military, naval, or volunteer experience is not a necessary qualification for membership. Trusting that this movement will receive your influential support. —I am, etc., WALTER LESLIE, Hon. Sec., Wellington District Branch National Reserve of New Zealand.