DOMINION’S DEFENCE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 26 August 1939, Page 7

DOMINION’S DEFENCE

APPEAL TO TERRITORIAL OFFICERS IMPORTANCE OF EFFICIENCY STRESSED. SUPPORT OF THE COMMUNITY. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. A personal appeal to officers of the Territorial Force to do their utmost to bring units up to the maximum point of efficiency is made by the Chief of the General Staff. Major-General J. E. Duigan, in a letter which has been circulated from Army Headquarters, Wellington. The letter has been sent to every commissioned officer on the active list of the Territorial Force. “For many years the Territorial Force has been under strength," writes Major-General Duigan. "Training has suffered, particularly the most important element —the training of leaders. A great deal has been done in the last few years, and I do want to express my thanks to the regular staff and territorial officers who have done excellent work over a most difficult period. "Government and public support and enthusiastic team-work on the part of everyone connected with recruiting have now built up every territorial unit to a reasonable strength for peace training; in some cases units are now approaching war establishment. Moreover, the volunteers who have come forward are good types and keen to do their duty. A big responsibility now rests upon every territorial officer and his n.c.o.’s to see that this splendid opportunity is not wasted —an opportunity which has not occurred since 1918.

“You have good men and enough of them. You have access.to good training equipment, and, with the use of motor transport, good training areas. Modern equipment is coming to hand as quickly as the British Government can supply it. The conditions of service in the Territorial Force are excellent. You have the backing of the Government. Most important of all, you have public support expressed, or soon to be expressed, through your local teritorial association.

“With all these advantages territorial units should make excellent progress with their training. It is up to every territorial officer to do his best to see that his own unit is as efficient as possible as early as possible. "We are living in troublous times when the international situation may deteriorate very rapidly, and the Territorial Force may be called upon to undertake the duty for which it has been raised —the defehce of New Zealand. I feel sure that every territorial officer will do his best and get on with the task of preparation. As a leader he must bo trained himself, and as a leader lie must do everything possible to train his men efficiently and to develop in them the team-spirit on which so much will depend if they are called upon to take the field. "Remember that you have, to a greater extent than ever .before, the support of your own people and your own community. Loyalty and teamwork are most essential in a fighting organisation. We are all striving for a common end —an efficient Territorial Army. I feel confident you will do your part.”