THE TERRITORIALS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 193, 13 February 1912, Page 5

THE TERRITORIALS.

INTERVIEW WITH G.OC.

By Telegraph—Press Aasosiajtion. ' Invercargill, Last Night. General Godley, Commandant 'of : .tht New Zealand Forces,-arrived ip Invercar-" gill to-day from a * holiday trip to the Sounds in H.M.S. Pioneer.' In an, interview with a Southland Times reporter, General Godley stated that the reports received from all cent tres regarding drills- ( and parades and general arrangements under the Defenee Act, were most satisfactory, ~ Asked what the position was with regard to those men who had been eliminated from the Territorial forces owing • to not coining up to the required standard of physical fitness, but who were still eager to undergo training, the G.O.C. replied: "It has been arranged that these men will do their training in the rifle clubs in accordance with the provisions of the Defence Act, which contemplates a portion of the training, of necessity, . being done in this manner. It is hoped that as the universal training scheme develops, rifle clubs will be developed and more thoroughly organised, and will later form ; a t . most valuable second line to the Tfe|M&riarArmy. When the next yeafV l&tch of young men who arrive at the age 6f 18 become liable for service the intention then is to poßt those who are not taken for the Territorial force to the rifle clubs in 1 the way I have mentioned. In the- meantime, I hope that any young meii who are in the position of not having been taken for the territorial force, and who wish to undergo service, will start a rifle club in their own district. In the meantime, though I am afraid we cannot issue Territorial uniform and equipment to any beyond those already posted, we are very glad that any j'oung men who wish to drill should attend drills wherever they are taking place. I look forward," the Commandant continued, "to a good camp of the Dunedin and Invercargill Batteries at Mandeville between February 24 and March 3. The work for'the first year will of necessity be very elementary, but much useful instruction will be gained. The officers and men of the various regiments will be able to make each others' thorough acquaintance, and the organisation of the scheme and the system of administration will be placed on a sound footing."