TERRITORIAL CAMPS

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2674, 21 January 1916, Page 3

TERRITORIAL CAMPS

REASONS FOR HOLDING THEM. The Minister of Defence considers the holding of the Territorial camps as usual, even in war time, a matter of supreme importance. Discussing the subject yesterday, the Minister said that the Government did' not wish to make a break in the system | of consecutive training of our young manlood, the need ' for which was increased rather than diminished by the war. Especially was this so in view of the fact that among those; i .to be trained would : be about 7000- who had just reached the age of 20: years,' at which age they could be, accepted for active -service. ■'Another ;sound reason for the holding of the camps was that they-offered an opportunity for the selection and training of men suitable for active - service as • non-commissioned officers' or officers. Still another reason was that the camps might stimulate recruiting,'as, it-was believed, they i had stimulated it last year.' .' -"Einploy-. ers need have no fear," saicl tlie Minister. "Every provision- will' be made to meet their convenience,Vand' I- am sure they will play the game." Mr.; Allen indicated that the .Defence Department wd£ ready r if'<x)iisider the Circumstances of farmers as well as foariufacturing firms and business houses. For example,, if an ' employer bad six young men of Territorial age, arrangements could be made to take only one away at one time, and the net result to the! employer would bo that he would have five, .'instead of six,- young men at work during'about three months.

A NAPIER, OPINION. . (By Telegraph,—Special. Correspondent;) * Naples January' 20. At-a meeting of the Napier Chamber of Commerce this afternoon, several members expressed the opinion- that this year Territorial camps should be abandoned, as there was already a shortage of hands, and to take many away would probably disorganise business.