THE TERRITORIALS

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 2, 3 July 1939, Page 10

THE TERRITORIALS

RAISING RECRUITS

CAMPAIGN SUCCEEDING

MINISTER'S CLAIM

'"Both as Minister of Defence and chairman of the Army Recruiting Committee, I am very pleased with the results of our campaign to raise the Territorial Force to 16,000 —and, what' is equally important, with the excellent spirit in which the work is being done," said the Hon. F. Jones today. "Expansion of this nature means extensive reorganisation, particularly in the country areas, where units are distributed in small widely-scattered troop or platoon training centres. 'Inquire at the nearest defence office' means a great deal more effort than walking round the corner to the drill hall. Yet the young farmers are responding as they have always responded to a call j of duty—wholeheartedly and in strength. "Comments have been made on the fact that Dunedin still requires more men, although the other three main cities have full quotas. The reason is quite simple. Both the Otago Mounted Rifles and the Otago Kegiment, which draw largely on Dunedin for personnel, were expanded by about 200 per cent, under the new organisation. Previously these units formed part of composite regiments. Now, however, they are restored to full strength, and therefore are calling for more recruits. I am confident that the response will be immediate. Otago will fill their ranks at once, particularly with, the valuable assistance of the Territorial association. The gentlemen who have worked so hard, and so successfully, on this association during the past year are carrying out a public duty of the highest order. AUCKLAND EFFORT. Some weeks ago, Sir Ernest Davis, Mayor of Auckland, led a recruiting campaign which produced , 1000 -additional volunteers. That was a splendid effort, reflecting great credit on the citizens of Auckland. Out of those who offered, 927 have already attended the recruit's course at Narrow i Neck Military School, and thereafter been posted to the units they wished to join. That is a record for New Zealand —927 men, with their elementary training completed, posted to units. The fact that only 500 appeared in the first instance out of 1000 has been given wide publicity in the Press. The other men, for various reasons, could not attend a course immediately, but have done so since. I hope the final result—927 out of. .1013—will be given equal emphasis. "Expansion in the country areas means a great deal more work and longer hours for the attenuated regular staff. In fact, if it were not for the enthusiastic and able assistance given by serving Territorials themselves, the tasks could not be done. Here are examples of what has been done. "The best recruiting agent, I have come across is the man who has the personality to convince and attract recruits. Take one case. Sergeant Laing, of the Waikato Mounted Rifles, produced a troop complete 'out of the hat, got them all signed up and medically examined, and brought them all in by motor transport to get uniforms," etc. Everyone had a good horse and each can get away, for courses, camps, and other training. Lieutenant! Scaly is another excellent example. He raised a good troop' in Taumarunui last year and took them, to camp at Whangarei, Then he was transferred to Hamilton, where he is now recruiting another, troop—and wants to organise a military ball as a side-line. These fellows are natural leaders—few and far between. If there were more of that calibre a recruiting campaign would be unnecessary! INTEREST AWAKENED. "Here is another comment from down south. 'As jjou know, we have done a good deal down this way already. Practically every training centre has its Territorial association, which has done and is doing an excellent job, both for recruiting and by helping to retain the interest of the serving soldier. Following the recent appeal by the Prime Minister, the recruiting atmosphere has changed. We held a meeting Wcently at' a troop centre and filled up in one effort; some months ago we didn't get anyone at a meeting there. Things are moving all right, and the. regiment is full of new heart and going strong.' .

"The Territorial Force will reach full strength and higher efficiency while it works with thi ssplendid spirit," the Minister concluded.