DEFENCE NOTES

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 424, 4 May 1937, Page 2

DEFENCE NOTES

INFANTRY TRAINING CENTRE Reports To Headquarters The number of parades called during the 1936-1937 year for the Stratford training centre was 22. with an average attendance of 20, states the report to Brigade Headquarters. Thnee courses were held for N.C.O. classes, and there was a full attendance. Twenty attended two week-end bivouacs at New Plymouth. The syllabus as issued by Headquarters was carried out, and individual effort was good. There is a floating farm population and 20 men were transferred out, having left the district. Machine-gun and rifle classification was carried out, and the attendance at these was best in the district, great keeness and rivalry being shown. There were no social activities, The supper club was keen on entertaining visitors. Mr Percy Thomson, of Stratford, president of the local Territorial and N.C.O. Club, is our keenest citizen, constantly helping by means of donations and cups ,a special of one guinea being contributed at last camp, while he also made donations of fruit to the local platoon and N.Z.P.S. instructors. His attendance at parades is appreciated. It is a mixed centre with 50 per cent engaged in farming and 50 per cent in business. The alteration of parade night from Friday (now late business night) to Thursday promised well, but it is not now very satisfactory, and with the advent of sports on Saturday the attendance is falling off. Twenty transfers were effected, since June owing to the men leaving the district. Two officers and 14 men attended camp. The Officers (1.C.) of this platoon maintains discipline to a high degree. Tariki. The number of parades was 19, and the average attendance 13. The usual courses were held. As regards the syllabus, the members have taken a keen interest in their work, and are always keen to apply the principles in a practical manner. It is a farming centre, and the parades show a slight falling off since camp. The platoon is not supported by the young fellows of the district as it should be. Seven men attended the annual camp. Mounted Rifles Camp. A three-day refresher course for officers and N.C.O’s. of the Regiment will be held at the Showgrounds, New Plymouth, prior to the annual camp, and will assemble on Friday, 14th inst. The syllabus of training to be carried out at this course is based on that issued for the annual camp, and as many officers and N.C.O.’s. as possible should attend. Training manuals note books and pencils are required. Immediately on arrival at the Showgrounds, all ranks must report to the Regimental Instructions for the annual camp, commencing on May 17, state that every member of the Regiment is required to bring a horse, which must be shod before camp. Saddlery, horse rugs and grooming kit will be issued in camp. All those attending camp will be gi anted pay of rank for six days as camp-pay, plus three days in lieu of out-of-camp training pay; and in addition, all members who have completed more than six hours training prior to camp will receive in camp pay up to a maximum of three days.

All civil servants are required to produce a certificate from the departmental head to the effect that they are on leave without pay. Before proceeding to camp all ranks must be fully uniformed and equipped and all those in possession of medals are requested to bring them to camp. Compensation for injury to or loss of a horse will not be allowed in the case of same occurring when the animal is being taken from its owner’s stables to the place of assembly for duty or returning home after the dismissal of company from duty, except as provided for by the Regulations. The train arrangements concerning the conveyance of Stratford district men and horses to Smart Road Station on May 17 are as follows: Horse train will leave Kiore at 8.15 a.m., Toko 9.10 a.m., arriving at Smart Road at 11.15 a.m. On the 27th the train leave Smart Road at 6.33 a.m., and is due at Toko at 10.30 a.m., Kiore 11.20 a.m.