TERRITORIAL PARADES.

Otaki Mail, 30 June 1922, Page 3

TERRITORIAL PARADES.

A NEW SCHEME SUGGESTED,

A meeting of business men of Otati was held on "Wednesday night to disr cuss a scheme as laid down by Captain Mead relative to an alteration in territorial and cadet training. Mr F. G. Da vies prtiided. Captain Mead said he had beGn all

round tho district, and the scheme as

suggested by him to do away with fortnightly parades and have an, annual gathering had received favorable support. He pointed out that owing to the financial stress of the country the Department had been obliged to considerably curtail graats, while the number of officers had bien greatly reduced. Even now. he Wild, there was a possibility of a further cut. After stating that splendid material was

available in the country, and ruaintaiuing that the aountry districts should participate in aiiy benefits coming from the Treasury, Captain Mead said that instead of the fortnightly parades training would be consolidated lo ,seven consecutive clays, thus doing the whole training for the year. The lads would be able to live at their homes, get better benefits from training, while much money would be saved

The trainee would not incur any extra expense. The scheme, if put into effect, would save 60 per. cent, of travelling expenses. Employers would also reap the advantage, where two were employed, by allowing one of the staff to attend parade at one time of the year an* the other at a later period. Employers eeuld often spare one lad but not two. He was anxious to

obviate inconvenience and trouble dint might be caused both employers and trainees. The Levin Chamber of Commerce, and other local bodies, had agreed to give the scheme every support, while leading Arms were also as-

sisting. All he desired was the back ing of the general public. If this vrus

forthcoming success was assured. Mr Watts considered the scheme a good one. He pointed out that at present lads were dissatisfied with fortnightly parades, and stated it was a fact that the roll only was called OU some occasions, and no drill indulged in. He considered yearly drills would be a £ne thing, and maintained by such the boys would get something to their advantage.

Mr Cockrell considered tho Department was to be congratulated on the scheme, and maintained it would be a vast improremont on the old one. Training for seven days would be a great advantage, and he considered the boys would show more interest. He had pleasure in supporting the scheme. ilr Olliver also spoke on similar lines, although he thought tho fortnightly drills would keep tho lads in closer touch with their instructors. Mr H. Taylor agreed with previous speakers, and thought the scheme one of the best in the interests of employers. Mr C. Kilsby agreed, while Mr J. •-'. Pole said it seemed feasible that the boys would benefit more by a •tt-sek's training than by fortnightly parades. Mr Daviea endorsed the remarks of previous speakers, and suggested the scheme bo approved of.

On Mr Cockrell's motion it was decided to approve of the scheme, anS thai the date of training be some time hefore the middle of August.—Seconded by Mr Watts. la answer to Mr Cockrell Captain Mead said there would be musketry course. The former said in that case it would be necessary to secure a more suitable place than before; on the old site bvfllets passed uneonrfortably aeai various places. He suggested that : place on Mr Blair's bo secured. Captain Mead promised to give th cutter attention.