THE TERRITORIALS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 9, 11 June 1913, Page 5

THE TERRITORIALS.

A UNIQUE CASE. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. Received 10, 10.45 p.m. Melbourne, June 10. The first case of its kind in Australia occurred yesterday, when Trainee, of Ballarat, who had undergone a term of imprisonment, was declared by the police magistrate, under the provisions of the Defence Act, to be a person of notoriously bad character, and i»eligible for military service.'

MEETING AT TIMARU. „ ' — uJLii Per Press Association. Timaru, Last Night. An Honorary Territorials Association wan initiated at a meeting held this afternoon. Colonel Bailey, an ex-member of the Durham Regiment, and formerly many years O.C. the South Canterbury Volunteers, presided. Over eighty names have already been enrolled of ex-military men and ex-volunteers. It was proposed to restrict the membership to ex-mem-bers of any branch of the defence forces.

B COMPANY ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of B Company, XL Regiment, 'Taranaki Rides, was held in the Orderly Room last evening when there were present Captain J. W. Boon (in the chair), Lieutenants Hartnell and Shepard and thirty-five members of the company.

'J iie captain's annual report congratulated the company on the position it had attained during'the past year. The N.C.O.'s. had worked with a will, and thanks was due for what they had done, often at great inconvenience to themselves. The attendance at parades had been fairly satisfactory, especially at the sub centres. During the coming year, the report continued, the number of drills to be held will be less than formerly, and leave could only be granted under exceptional conditions. Regular attendance would be insisted npon according to the minimum laid down by law. The attendance and behaviour of all ranks at camp was a credit to the company, and the way in which the men carried out their training for the first time in many cases, was very creditable. The prize donated by Mr. E. Elliot for the best kept tent at camp was won by No 1 tent, under Corporal Mureott. It was with regret that during the year it had been found necessary to take proceedings under the Defence Act against several men. owing to failure in rendering service as required, and several further charges were pending. The officers objected very much to having to proceed against members of the company, but if thev would not do their duty without the law being put in motion, there was no option imt to do so. The report regretted the loss of several valuable members, includin? Lieutenant Arnold, Sergeants Evans. 'McLoughnan, and Bruce, au.l Corporal Coshrook, owing to transfer. In conclusion the report said that the financial position of the company was sound, but as capitalion allowance ivas now very small, economy would lnve to be exercised in dealing with funds. Tlii! npirt was adopted without dis-cus-don. and the annual balance sheet, which showed a yerv substantial credit balance, log!'flier with (he vearlv statement of (he old Taranaki Ciuards. were also read and ndonled. Varum; committees were sol „p. and ollVe-bcarers elected for the cii-uiii" .year. \nlei of thanks accorded ih" oul\e-oiu<r committee, the Press .i m l the chair. '