VOLUNTARY TRAINING

Evening Post, Volume CXVI, Issue 102, 27 October 1933, Page 12

VOLUNTARY TRAINING

The secretary of the Lower Hutfc Association of the Wellington Regiment states that by an increase of the defence vote, the Government is definitely showing its realisation of the fact that the Dominion's defence forces are considerably short of the strength necessary even in these times of stringent economy. According to information, the number of trainees under the voluntary system is far from satisfactory, so that the authorities have endeavoured, by making the training more interesting and varied, to induce more men to enlist. Associations have been and are being formed throughout New Zealand to support both financially and socially their own local units. The Lower Hutt Association (tho Wellington Regiment) was the first to b« formed under this scheme, and_ gratifying interest is being shown in its activities, a very good response having resulted from numerous appeals sent out to employers, requesting their support in recruiting. A factor that will speed up the enrolment of prospective recruits is the procuring of the Strand Park gymnasium for evening parades. A large number of those at present drilling at Petone reside in Lower Hutt, so that the initial parade on next Monday should be well attended. Parades will be held fortnightly, from 7.30 to 9.30 each evening, and new recruits may enlist at any of these parades.