The Future of the National Reserve

Horowhenua Chronicle, 24 April 1915, Page 2

The Future of the National Reserve

SsSM&iis&u^.

When any body of men voluntarily meet together regular tor a definite purpose that, body immediately becomes a factor of importance to the community. When that purpose represents a high ideal lor the general welfare then the body which it animates assumes an importance much greater than its mere number ol units would otherwise justify. Such aii ideal involves personal sacrifice' of time and energy, and it is on such sacrifice that the greatness of a people is built. Dark indeed is the future of a people to whom the appeal comes in vain. This war has shown that our people are ready and willing to meet each call as it comes, and surely tin's call for a National Reserve will not go unheeded. For a stfou K vigorous National Jteserre can nil a great purpose. On each individual ooinpos. ing it, as well as on the community its influence can be for nothing but good. ■No man can perform his duties toward* , t without having llls viewpoint raised above the narrowness of his personal interests and taking a higher view of hie duties as a citizen. Physically and morally the effect of one hour a week spent in drill—"the spoil. of ordered motion strong upon Jiiust be greatly to his benefit. Cfniy when the ordinary man hrst faces the drill sergeant does he realise how slack and inefficient he has become. He finds

that his brain and muscles no longer work- together smoothly. TVTien he is ordered to left turn his brain wants half an hour to think out the problem of which side represents left, and hie feet arc probably acting on their uwa. account and turning right. He marvels how the older hands can act so •promptly in carrying out most complicated evolutions. He concentrates his

brain to instantly solve the conundrums presented to it and forces hie unwilling members to obey. And he

goes liome with a new set to his shoulders and practises with the broomstick

before his admiring family with a feeling of physical well being that he has not felt for years. Thus also as a

body the National Reserve can act on their fellow men, and bo ever a force demanding efficiency and well doing in public afairs. The movement is, of course, a direct outcome of our present and national danger, but when the dan. ger is for the time overcome there will still be reasons and men enough to ensure that it does not lapse. Its social possibilities are alone great enough to justify its existence, ami those who remember the good-fellowship of the old volunteer corps will know what a, great interest it, can Be to ite members.