TERRITORIAL CAMPS

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3021, 7 March 1917, Page 6

TERRITORIAL CAMPS

AND A PROTEST. At the last meeting of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, a letter was received from the Napier' Chamber, including a resolution which had been passed protesting against the holding of Territorial camps, on the grounds that those who were going on active service received adequate training in the military camps, and that the shortage of men in business firms would bo accentuated. The Wellington Chamber was asked to approve of the resolution, but did not do so. It did not think that tho holding of Territorial camps should be abandoned, but expressed the opinion that tho Defence authorities might suit the requirements of tho different districts as far as possible in arranging the dates of tho various camps. The matter was referred to the Minister of Defence with the Wellington Chamber's suggestion.

In the course of his reply tho Minister of -Dlofonoo said:—"lt is noted that your chamber does not 'endorse the resolution passed by ilio Napier. Chamber so far as it relates to the advisability of not liolding the oamps. In order that employers may not be caused any great inconvenience, arrangements have been made for the camps to be spread over a period of four months, February to May, even into .Tune if necessary. Employers should therefore arrange with the local Defence Office regarding the dates on which they wish, their men to bo called into camp. The Defence Department will do everything possible to meet the wishes of the employers in this matter."