TERRITORIAL FORCE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 190, 9 February 1912, Page 6

TERRITORIAL FORCE.

HOME VASTLY IMPROVED. General Sir John French's report on the present condition of the Territorial Force was published by the War Office being compiled after personal investigation by the Inspector-General -of the Forces. "Except in the London district," says Sir J. French, "I did not find that the commanding officers took a pessimistic view of recruiting prospects. If the' numbdrs of the Territorial force have so far not quite satisfied all expectations. the quality haa vastly improved. "I have reason to believe that the system and methods adopted in the trainI ing and instruction of Territorial units show great improvement this year. I Some ° f the work I have seen ca&ried' out this year was quite extraordinary and entirely surpassed my expectation, and I feel sure that the progress already attained can only result from the boundless energy and splendid spirit which pervades ail ranks in the Territorial force. "With so many types—crofters from the Hebrides, clerks from city offices gillies from the Highlands, miners from Wales > yeomen farmers from the Midlands—there is naturally inequality m appearance and efficiency. But there are noticeable throughout a desire for improvement and a willingness to learn."