TERRITORIAL ARMY

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 19982, 6 July 1939, Page 14

TERRITORIAL ARMY

RECRUITING SUCCESS EXPECTATIONS EXCEEDEI) MINISTER’S STATEMENT (Pur Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. Territorial recruiting was going ahead at a great rate and the new strength of 16,000 would be reached much more quickly than had been anticipated, said the Minister of Defence, the Hon. F. Jones, in a statement last evening. People had asked why the total had been fixed at 16,000, he said. That was because the modern army, navy and air experts who attended the recent Pacific defence conference had recommended that number for the New Zealand army.

“They considered New Zealand required balanced fighting services, that with the existing naval and air plans, 16,000 territorials were adequate lo ensure our national security,” Mr. Jones said, “but we must have them. If the emergency does come in the next few months, the present territorial force will have to bear the brunt of home defence. We are filling up the expanded ranks with men of the right type. We arc filling up fast, yet more than that is needed. “Every small scattered unit, each platoon or troop in important country areas needs the backing of publicspirited citizens who can do great service by showing in a practical manner that they are proud to help the men who are proud to serve their country. “In my opinion, these local teitutorial or regimental associations are a most important factor in .building up out citizeivsoldier organisation.