TERRITORIAL OFFICERS.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 May 1918, Page 4

TERRITORIAL OFFICERS.

THEIR EXPEDITIONARY FORCE RANK. WELLINGTON May 17. The Minister of Delence said to-flay that it was very unfortunate' that the Defence Department could not find room in the Expeditionary Force for al! commissioned Territorial officers as officers, as a number of men who had seen service were returning to New Zealand with commissions to join reinforcement drafts. Several of the Territorial officers concerned had volunteered. Some had entered camp, and were eager to eel away, hut owing to the i eduction in the percentage of reinforcements, they had to be held back. It was much regretted that those men should have to come in as sergeants, but every effort would be made after they had entered camp to find places for them with their commissions. TIM ARE May 17. The Defence Department being unable to find a place for him as an officer, Lieutenant R, S. P- Hopkins, who has been group officer here for some, time oast, left fo-dov to go info camp as & private. He was to have gone as a lieutenant in the <)th Reinforcements, but a severe illness prevented him. Being young and single, and, as married men are' going into camp, Lieutenant Hopkins thought it his duty to get there. He therefore enlisted. He was very popular with military men, and received several presentations before his departure. His relatives liv e in Christchurch. 1