TERRITORIAL TRAINING

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 220, 11 June 1921, Page 9

TERRITORIAL TRAINING

Sir, —To your correspondent “Terrier's" remarks, I would first like to mention that my letter, when sent in, was not headed, and that I am therefore not responsible for the heading to which he so violently objects. As to the expression of the sentiments of Territorials, in this we have equal rights and are neither of us entitled to apeak for the whole force, but the point nt which 1 aimed was that the "Terrier doos not represent us as a body, though he may, and very probably does, represent the dissatisfied minority. For my own position, I am a Territorial only, and neither a returned soldier nor an employee of the Defence Department. , It is really unfortunate that this man s training, through his long service has not succeeded in convincing him that a short period of continuous training at an early age, while producing temporary fitness and efficiency, and laying the essential foundation of discipline, leaves tho reservist with nothing io do but forget all ho has learned., and also falls io keep him abreast of tho more modern types of weapons and methods which, given men to use them, constitute such n powerful factor in modern, scientific warfare. Does your correspondent imagine that thirteen days in camp would raodnee results such as the School Cadets showed, if the habits of discipline and the general groundwork of military instruction' had' not been careful!y taught them by their own officers on t heir weekly parades? As an ex-member of a school unit represented there, I ’ can assure tho "Terrier” that the exhibition was merely finish —and a fine finish, too —to the careful work of the school. As to the remarks on loyalty, your correspondent's views on the results of parades; more especially knlf-day, were of a typo from which one might lie forgiven ’for having pictured his unit nA dissatisfied because they had io drill. Is this, then, loyalty? Personally. I regret that I cannot speak for the N.Z.E.F., as it was never my good luck to be a member thereof, but as the Territorials have now the honour of representing the New Zealand Division, a little of the spirit of the men would do much good. But this awful expense item! Does our “Terrier” imagine that 45 parades per annum is an average? Expenses in the bulk look-imposing always, but when one takes for one parade Bd. for car fares (a liberal estimate) and l-3rd of a penny for polish, it is evident that in addition to being beneficial to him physically and mentally, his drill night, compares favourably in the financial line with his free evenings. Anil what of the volunteer forces, who had to pay heavily for the privilege of servimr their country? Ts that spirit dead? Though I have disclaimed the heading to which the "Terrier” objects, I have no desire to hide behind a cant phrase. Patriotism, in my humble opinion, implies one’s best services to one’s country, freely and cheerfully, «®id to give those services I for one am prepared to abide by the instructions issued and the system evolved on the advice of men who have given their lives to the study of matters military. Destructive'criticism i« easy, hut I think that we should admit that the professional knows more about the sama than the amateur, nnd unless wo have something nrettv useful to offer, it is advisable to let the man who knows the job do it. —I am, etc., A TERRITORIAL. ■Wellington, June 8, 1921.