The Daily News. TUESDAY, APRIL 15, 1913. THE TERRITORIALS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 277, 15 April 1913, Page 4

The Daily News. TUESDAY, APRIL 15, 1913. THE TERRITORIALS.

J lie Territorial movement is amply justifying itself, and nothing is more certain than that this form of compulsory service has come to stay. At the beginning of the movement it was eyed somewhat askance by many people, who, while recognising their responsibilities in the matter of the defence of the Empire, were not at all satisfied that the proposed system, with its perpetual drills and it 3 periodical camps, would not be mmv in effect-than a "playing at soldiers." Much of this impression was giun-.d from a remembrance of the comparative laxity that used to prevail in connection with the old volunteering system, and it was, perhaps unconsciously, emphasised by the persistent attacks and misrepresentations of both "passive" and "active" resisters to any system which involved an}' form of compulsion. Naturally, the new System, iike Rudyard Kipling's ship, took some time to "find itself," hut mainly owing to its excellent administration it lias practically broken down every prejudice that existed against it. It has grown, as it had to grow if it was to succeed, into a part of the every-day life of our younger generation, with whom the habit of custom has now grown into one of enthusiasm. Probably over eight hundred Taranaki lads will be in camp at Oringi in a few days, and liearly all of them will take up their duties cheerfully and willingly. They are learning discipline, they are improving their carriage and their physique, and, above all, they are becoming imbued with a fine spirit of patriotism and loyalty to home and country by their association iii these military camps. But this desirable end could not have been reached had it not been for tactful and able administration. We have nothing but thankful appreciation for the qualities of the officers who have been retained by the Government to supervise the Territorial movement. They have. known where to enforce and where to refrain with an admirable estimation of the fact that a new system of such far-reaching qualities cannot be administered in its early stages by the rigid letter of the law. Tliey have had a very hard row to h'be, and they have hoed it remarkably well; and it is only now that they are beginning to reap what they have sown in the increased enthusiasm of our young citizen soldiers and in the increased .confidence of their employers. Anil these employers also, while not called upon for active service, arc bearing their full burthen of the cost of this preparation for defence. At camp time many of them have to employ extra labor and even then won; short-handed, calling on their older hands for assistance, which is almost invariably gladly given, and the cost in money and the drain of energy is no inconsiderable item. This, of course, is simply an illustration of the same spirit as prompts the lads to undertake the physical work of preparation. What we want to do now is,to impress upon the general public that if they are not directly affected by the camp they can bear a little of the responsibility by refraining from protesting if the milkman happens to be five minutes late, or their boots are not soled and heeled until the following morning. We can all do a host of little things to'wards the advancement of this most excellent movement, by exercising some forbearance and consideration at the necessary times.