TERRITORIAL CAMPS.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 September 1917, Page 8

TERRITORIAL CAMPS.

APPEAL FOR ABANDONMENT. (Special Correspondent). Wellington, Sept. 11. Another appeal for the abandonment of Territorial parades during the war period was made by Mr. G. Witty (liicearton), in the House of Representatives to-day. He said that the time of men and teams was being wasted in the country districts by requiring men to attend afternoon parades. The farmers felt that under present conditions it would be better to confine training to the military camps, and avoid culling out essential workers for Territorial parades. Sir James Allen said that every essential worker could secure exemption by applying to his group oflicer. But it was important that the Territorial system should be maintained. The farmers had always shown a disposition to oppose the system, but its good effects had been observed in the training camps. The foundation laid by (he Territorial training was very valuable. The Minister added that he knew from his own experience that evening parades were not of very much value. He would like members to consider the position. At would be much better from the military point of view to abolish afternoon and evening parades and give the men a week's training at some time during the year, at the time most convenient to the public. The Defence authorities would then get value for the work 4one. He had asked the branches of.the Farmers' Union throughout New Zealand for an opinion 011 the subject, ar.il be hoped to get favorable answers. He would be glad to substitute a week's continuous training for the aiteraoon and evening parades.