THE TERRITORIALS

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 62, 6 December 1917, Page 4

THE TERRITORIALS

SITUATION OF THE FARMERS,

Protests are still being made in. various parts of the Dominion, and particularly in tho country districts, against the continuance of the Territorial and Senior Cadet systems during the period of the war. Farmers and other employers aro complaining that they cannot spare their men and boys for "unnecessary training" when they have already reduced their staffs ,to the minimum in order to provide men for tho Expeditionary Force. . The attitude of Defence Headquarters 011 this point has already been explained, but does not appear to be fully understood in all quarters. It is considered essential that the Territorial organisation. should be maintained, as tho basis of New Zealand s military system. But day parades 111 the country districts have been suspended for the period of the war, and replaced by quarterly muster parades (at which the men may report by letter), and annual camps. Territorials are required to spend a week in camp, and tlio intention is to maintain the camps for several months in most cases, in order that the men may attend at tho time most convenient to them or to their employers. The Minister of Defence has given instructions that essential industries aro not to bp interfered with, and forms of exemption are being prepared. A farmer, or any other employer, may ask for the exemption of any Territorial in his service, and the officers commanding the districts will consider these applications in the light ot the Minister's instruction A Territorial wuo is tho last man on a farm will not bo required to spend a week in camp it the facts about his case are made clear to the authorities. It is desirable "fliat requests for exemption should be made early.