OLD VOLUNTEERS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 29 September 1938, Page 6

OLD VOLUNTEERS

PERFORMING VITAL PUBLIC DUTY STATEMENT BY MINISTER OF DEFENCE (By Telegraph) (Special to the “Times-Age”) WELLINGTON, September 29. Making some observations to a “Times-Age” representative on the subject of the Territorial recruiting campaign, the Minister of Defence (the Hon F. Jones) said defence was not a matter of party politics. “It is a question,” he added, “which is the vital concern and direct responsibility of every man and woman in the country. The members of our Territorial Force are performing a worthy public duty and, therefore, are entitled to expect and to receive the support and encouragement of all sections of the community. The results that are being obtained in the recruiting campaign now in progress are appreciated, and it is pleasing to acknowledge the assistance that is being rendered in this direction by organisations, employers, returned soldiers and territorials themselves. More men of the right type are needed; young fellows who are physically fit and mentally alert and who, in addition, possess. qualities making for leadership. “Great encouragement has been given to the Territorial movement as a result of recent improvements in the matter of pay and conditions and recruits can be assured of efficient training, which Will be found of immense recreational value and of increasing their knowledge and giving them a wider experience. The first and most vital appeal is that of duty—the duty of preparing for the home defence of this Dominion.

“The various activities which form part of modern army training will be found to be health-building and fascinating and trainees who join up with the right spirit will rapidly reflect in their demeanour and general bearing the mental and physical benefit to be derived. It is not asking too much of fit, keen men to sacrifice some of their leisure by joining the Citizens’ Army, and the friendships they will form by close association with other good companions will well recompense them. “The New Zealand Territorials are the true expression of democracy. The recruit of today, irrespective of his origin, will be—not may be—the officer of tomorrow, for it is a proud and sound tradition of the Service, that promotion must be through the ranks.” MARKED ADVANCE STRENGTH OF TERRITORIAL FORCES (By Telegraph —Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. Although official circles are reticent about the actual strength and disposition of the Dominion’s territorial forces it was ascertained yesterday that, as a result of a marked advance in the speed at which recruits are coming forward, the peace-time strength of between 900 and 10,000 has been almost reached. This figure is more than IPM in advance of the tentative figure announced by the Minister of Defence, the Hon F. Jones, when giving details in August last year of the proposed reorganised territorial force.