NEW TRAINING SCHEME.

Taranaki Daily News, 9 June 1922, Page 2

NEW TRAINING SCHEME.

EFFECT OF ECONOMY. SUPPORT IN STRATFORD. A new training scheme in respect of territorials between the ages of 18 and 21 years was outlined before last night’s meeting of the Stratford Chamber of Commerce by Warrant-Officer Rowe, who sought the co-operation cf the chamber on behalf of the Defence Department. During the past twelve months, said Warrant-Officer Rowe, the defence vote had been so drastically cut down that the training of territorials had been so affected that it was impossible to hold training camps. Under the suggested scheme the territorials concerned would be assembled at the respective centres from a district ■within a radius of three miles for six days’ intensive training, the afternoon and evening parades being cut out. They would still live at their homes, but would parade at the ’ drill centres at 9 o’clock each morning and undergo training until 4 p.m. It was suggested that the trainees would be given the choice of three training periods, so as to minimise the inconvenience caused to employers. The first training period in Stratford would be about the last week in June, and the other two in July. It was pointed out that six days’ continuous training was much more beneficial to the trainees than afternoon or evening parades at intervals. The scheme would not affect the cadets, whose afternoon and evening parades would continue as usual. The members agreed that the new scheme was an advantage over the old training system, Mr. D. J. Malone declaring that the old scheme was a waste of money. However, he thought if only the town boys within a three-mile radius were called upon there would be trouble, as the country boys would be let off at the expense of the town. The defence representative said it was suggested to ultimately establish centres at Kaponga, Toko and elsewhere. Mr. P. Thomson moved: “That the scheme as outlined has the hearty support of the chamber, and that the chamber would do all it could to help the scheme.” The motion was carried unanimously.