“NOT OUT OF DATE”

Evening Star, Issue 23380, 25 September 1939, Page 9

“NOT OUT OF DATE”

THE TERRITORIAL ARMY PLANS TO BE ADHERED TO AN IMPORTANT DEFENCE LINK “ The Territorial Force is not out of date nor pushed! into the background. Its plans for the defence of New Zealand have been carefully made, and will be adhered to. So go ahead, every officer, n.c.0., and man of the force and show what you can do.” These words form the final paragraph of a memorandum received _ by commanding officers of Territorial Army unite from the headquarters of the Southern Military District, Christchurch, which also states that it is by no means beyond the bounds of possibility that in addition to the special force which is being raised, the Territorial Army may be called up to fulfil its normal purpose—the defence of New Zealand on its own shores. How soon such a call might come was unknown at present, but the force must be ready for such duty at short notice. It was realised that the raising of the special force was a drain on the Territorial Army officers and n.c.o.s, and the memorandum stressed the necessity for every endeavour to be made at once to fill the gaps thus caused. In this connection the officer commanding the Otago Regiment (Lieutenant-colonel J. M. Samson) said this morning that he had already taken action to fill the gaps left by officers who were joining the special force. . The new organisation, he said, came into force on Saturday, when week-end training was carried out by the regiment. The training of _ the Otago Regiment was being expedited, and all ranks were being asked to carry out extra voluntary without pay. Men suitable for training as n.c.o.s would also be asked to give up much of their time to this necessary extra training. The week-end training carried out proved most satisfactory, all ranks showing keenness and enthusiasm. With the absorption of. the 200 men who are at present held on the waiting list, the regiment should be up to full strength again within the next fortnight. Colonel Samson also made an appeal to citizens to do all in their power to assist the Territorial Army, which was still an important link in the defence organisation of the Dominion,