READY TO SERVE

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2370, 28 January 1915, Page 4

READY TO SERVE

The National Reserve movement, which has now been placed on a firm and definite footing by the issue of the new regulations regarding enrolment, has a strong claim on the sympathy and support of the public. It is; being taken up with much enthusiasm and promises to becomo a valuable auxiliary to the defence forces of the Dominion. The idea is to discover and organise those men who have served in any part of the naval and military forces of the Empire, and who desire to assist in the protection of the country in times of emergency. In this way a useful body of men will be available whenever wanted. It will be their duty to help the Defence authorities, and be ready, if called upon, to undergo further training and to receive suitable equipment for whatever service they may be asked to render. The recent, inspection and parade of the National Reserve which took place in Auckland created a very favourable impression. Between 500 and 800 men took part, representing the various branches of military service —infantry, artillery, engineers, and ambulance. A large proportion of those on parade were evidently trained men, and their knowledgo and practical experience of soldiering should certainly be of real utility to the State both in peace and war The fact that a large section of ablebodied men are anxious to place their services at tho disposal of the country is in itself, a healthy sign. It is an exhibition of practical patriotism Which merit* tho highest jpraise. Every. able-hocM maa.

l should consider it both a duty and a [ privilege to do what he can for the defence of the State. The National Rose rye movement is based on this principle of voluntary service. As Bishop Aveeill remarked a few days I ago such an organisation has a moral power behind it greater than appears on the surface. "Every man," said the Bishop, "who sacrifices his time' and offers himself to his country, strengthens the hands of those men at_ the front and creates the right spirit at home. He is emulating the example of that great old* man who kept himself in constant training lest his country might need his services—we all know how Earl Roberts was needed in South Africa', The man who.is not prepared at this time to help his country is not fit to possess the rights of citizenship." Every man and woman in the country has a part to play in the present crisis, and not merely those who do the actual fighting at the front. The members of the National Reserve show that they have high ideals as regards the duties of a citizen, and are ready and willing to put their ideals-into actual practice. Wellington is not likely to lag behind the other centres in its support of the movement. There is a large body of men in this district who have all the necessary qualifications and who are only waiting for the opportunity of doing something for the defence of the Dominion.