NATIONAL RESERVE

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2336, 18 December 1914, Page 6

NATIONAL RESERVE

WELLINGTON BRANCH DISTRICT COMMITTEES SET UP The formation of branches of the National Reserve m various parts of New Zealand has met with great success, owing to tho keen interest taken by business nion and others. 'JL'liero promises to be an equal euccess in Wellington. A meeting of tnoße interested in the Wellington District Branch, which was formed recently, was held in the Chamber of Commerce last night. Major H. l< , . Davis, V.1)., presided, and there was an attendance of over one hundred crowded into the room. Those present included 1 prominent business men and old volunteers. Major Davis said that the gathering was far in excess'of number he expected, for he had no idea that so uiuoh interest would be displayed at this early date. There were men in the room with whom he had had military association from 1866 up to two years ago. (Applause.) That showed that the older :nen were willing to take a part in the movement. The National Reserve was no new thing, for it had been formed in England. In Chratchurch a few weeks ago a branch was formed ,and 2000 men, mostly business people, were soon enrolled. He mentioned that the first meeting of the Wellington branch had been held on December 4, when he was elected provisional chairman. Since that meeting seventy-five had been enrolled, and he that from those one or two ehould be elected to represent the different districts of the City, taking the Territorial district roll as a basis. They would then be able to call meetings in their own districts and enrol members; The different committees could then meet and make up' the companies. Tor instance, one might be appointed for Kilbirnie, Island Bay, and the four quarters of the City, and others for different parts. They could then organise commandoes.

Method of Procedure. The secretary (Mr. Walter Leslie) proceeded to read correspondence received from Christchurcb. and Dimedin, which gave an idea or' the lines on which it was proposed to work in Wellington. In Christchurch the units were formed into companies of a strength of 250. The Defence Department allowed the use of a certain number of riflee for drill purposes. The Christchurch League was composed mostly of old volunteeds, and, as with other branches, was recognised by the Defence Department. The movement was rapidly growing beyond Christchurch, and the assistance of two bands had been promised. A letter from Otago showed that the branch waa formed long before the war, and when war started the membership stood at 700. When war was announced the membership quickly jumped to 2000 in Dunedin alone. The keen spirit shown by all ranks, mentioned in the letter, had been a revelation to all. A motion wae carried expressing appreciation for tlie information contained in the letters. A show of hands was called for, of those intending to enrol, and the- response was almost unanimous. The chairman suggested that district committees ehould bo at once set up. The committees could call meetings in'their districts, and a general parade of members could bo called for some time in February, when companies and platoons could bo formed. It was decided to adopt that course, and a motion asking the Mayors and chairmen of local bodies to form the neclous of tho committees was carried. Committees Set Up. The following were appointed committees for the various districts, for the purpose of enrolling members:— Kilbirnio and Lyall Bay: H. D. Mee, E. Adanis, A.Gellatly, W. Miller, T. S. Lambert, 6. E. James. Lower Hutt: R. B. Bell, A.Toswill. Karori: S. B. Guidon, T. Ward. Wellington Central: F. M. Brown, A. L. Wilson, L. J. Cusack, H. J. Levy, H. M'Leod. Wellington East:'A. A. Mentoith. Newtwni: F. Charlton, W. A. Wilson, A. Steel, F. Brown, H. A. Parkinson, S. Munn, J. P. Firth. Eastbourne: W. J. Organ, C..H. Seville, S. W. Downs. Hataitai and Roseheath: A. D. Bayfield, J. H. Bottaney, J. Doyle, M. A. Grant. Upper Hutt: F. Webb, T. Cioake. Northland: M. J. M'Leod. Island Bay: E. J. Colley. Khandallah: E. C. Alderson. Brooklyn: J. A. Short, S. Robinson. Kelburn: H. S. Meyer, G. A. Troup. Thorndon: A. W. Newton. Dr. C. P. Knight. fhe chairman said a meeting in connection with the movement would be held in the Town Hall. The Prime Minister had consented to speak, and he believed the Mayor (Mr. J. P. Luke) and Colonel Robin' would have something to say. The moment the membership was established they would be able to apportion the men to the districts. The secretary said that he had received a letter from Mr. Webb, Upper Hutt, to the effect that there would be about 100 members from there. He was going there to address a meeting, ■ and also to Island ,Bay, where he would address a meeting on Tuesday next. He would go to other districts to give information if desired.' (Applause.) Messrs. H. M'Leod. H. Field, Dr. C P. Knight, E. J. Colley, and the hon. see. were appointed a committee to make arrangements for the public meeting in the Town Hall. In answer to a. question by Mr. Firth the chairman said that they had not gone into the financial side of the matter yet, but he believed a very small sum per head would suffice. They were open to take' voluntary donations. _ The meeting closed with the vigorous singing of the National Anthem.