THE TERRITORIALS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 18 August 1939, Page 6

THE TERRITORIALS

FORMATION OF ASSOCIATION.

ADVOCATED BY MAJOR IRVING.

“As., the Minister of Defence (the Hon F. Jones) has announced, because of enthusiastic team-work on the part of all concerned —Regular Staff, serving Territorials and many public-spir-ited citizens—the Territorial force strength reached 16,000 on July 31” said Major J. H. Irving, officer commanding the Hawke’s Bay Regiment, in an interview with a “Times-Age” representative this morning. "The Minister, as chairman of of the Army Recruiting Committee, has asked that his deep appreciation be expressed to all who have helped in obtaining such splendid results so quickly. "Now that the desired complement of men has been reached, the serious business of training must commence and as a valuable adjunct we want, too, to form a local Territorial Association,” Major Irving continued. "With that purpose in view, his Worship the Mayor of Masterton (Mr T. Jordan) has consented to convene a public meeting next week when concrete measures will be taken to enlist the active support of citizens for the local Territorial units.

“The objects of such a Territorial or Regimental Association are simple. The idea is to encourage citizens to take an interest in the local unit, to help maintain it at full strength, to assist units’ social and recreational activities, to help members of the units obtain leave from their employment to attend camps and other training periods. “We must stress the point.” said Major Irving, ' that the association we want to form in Masterton, is not to be a hard and fast regulated organisation with finance a major point in its constitution. The question of whether membership fees arc paid or subscriptions collected, is a matter which will, of course, have to be decided upon, but at the moment, when other organisations arc appealing for financial assistance from the public. Army Headouarters think it undesirable that the Territorial associations, which are recognised official bodies, should compete with those other organisations for financial help."

Major Irving said lie hoped that the meeting to be called next wook, details of which will later be announced, will be well attended and representative of individuals and organisations. Captain B. Barrington, recruiting officer of the Central Military District, will attend and will explain all details of the work and composition of Territorial associations and what part a Masterton association could play in assisting the local units.