WITH THE TERRITORIALS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 42, 20 February 1939, Page 9

WITH THE TERRITORIALS

(By "Sentry.”) Freedom is a treasure which cannot be given us as a gift. In order to be worthy of our freedom we ourselves must obtain it. or at least be prepared to obtain it, and for its sake risk our all. It is of little moment whether we live or die, but the great thing for us and for those who come after us. is to live well or, if we cannot do this, for some of us to die well. LAURI PIHKALA. NOTICE BOARD. To those going to camp: Every recruit on joining up with the army is issued with a uniform, and equipment. He is given nothing that is unnecessary—every article is essential to his efficiency as a member of his unit. If .per misadventure you have lost or mislaid any part of your equipment, get it replaced now, and do not forget those extra bootlaces, needle and thread and, perhaps, a safety pin or two. Then we find the chap who hadn't a suitable morror to bring, forgot his brasso and nugget, and. in short is a veritable nuisance to his tent mates. Such fellows should never leave mother's side.

ANNEAL CAMP 1938-39. Falling as it does on the week, February 18-25, this year our camp coincides with the National Physical Fitness week. What could be more appropriate? Particularly to the chap whose daily bread is earned indoors the year round, the camp comes as, not only a period of military training, but also as a most enjoyable physical recreation. Our camp being held tms year at Waiouru, offers a week of the great out-of-doors to all who attend. The wide-open spaces—plain wholesome food and plenty of it—what could be more conducive of physical fitness? Recreation will take the form oi inter-unit cricket matches, athletics and if you are careless enough to miss the bus home from Taihape, should you go there, there is a pleasant walk of 17 miles. Then, of course, we cannot overlook that very important phase of a military camp—mental recreation. When a soldier boards the train for camp he leaves all thought of every-day life behind him for the duration thereof. To the majority of our ranks, a period of studying for examinations, whether they be for theoretical plumbing or clerical purposes, has just passed, anc now we have this hard-earned respite in the form of yarns over the messtable and reminiscences of camps gone by. The old hands foregather in a tent and relate the high-lights of the year before last at Waverley, last year at Hastings; the new members listen—all ears. Do you rm ember?— the rotten egg. the deaf and dumb joker or Bill Sherlock's fire engine, and then, of course, there was captain Luxford’s Calcutta horse. In short we can recommend the annual camp as a physical and mental recreation for all ranks, from which we will return envigorated for another year's work not only in our military training, but in our every day life. W.O. II (C.S.M.) A. H. E. Brett has applied to be reposted to the strength of the Regimental Depot, and is hoping to renew old acquaintances at the annual camp. Congratulations and good wishes are extended to Arthur, who was recently married and max he be as successful in this new venture as he has been in his military training. Correspondence. A letter has been received from a reader signing himself "Old Soldier,"

asking for information concerning the Wanganui Artillery Corps. Unfortunately, no record can be found of the actual date of the establishment of the Artillery Corps, but the following may be helpful;— During the “eighties,” volunteering became very popular in New Zealand, many influential business men interesting themselves in forming new companies. The 'Artillery Corps was one of these. Wanganui was now a town of some importance, having a good river, and the probability of a good port. Due to the influence of prominent citizens an artillery company was officially considered necessary, hence its formation. The requisite number of men were enrolled and duly sworn in, and its services were offered to the Government, which accepted them. It was then discovered that no guns were available, all that were in the Dominion being allotted to the artillery companies then in existence. The new company, rather than disband and not wishing to become a rifle company, was then accepted under what was termed a Naval Artillery Corps, with Captain J. Abbott as its first commander. Subscription lists were started for the purpose of obtaining sufficient funds to build a naval launch. These funds were soon obtained and a good launch built for practical purposes, the boat being christened the "Raumai,” and serving its purpose well. Through the influence of some of our public men an old 12-pounder Armstrong gun was procured from the Defence Stores, Wellington, so that the men of the corps could have gun drill taught them. Captain Abbott ultimately resigned and Captain Clapham, formerly lieutenant of the corps, took charge. Shortly after, rifles were served out and they worked as an infantry company, though continuing

to wear the naval uniform and being allowed to use the title of Naval Artillery! In about 1897 interest flagged and the company, losing many of its best members, disbanded. Several of the more enthusiatic members who stuck to the company until the last promoted a new' company tn about JB9B under the name of Wanganui Guards. However, it was the Naval Artillery you enquired after, not Wanganui Guards. I hope that this will settle your argument.— I “Sentry.” Old volunteers of the various companies in Wanganui are invited to follow the lead of "Old Soldier” in corresponding through this column and thereby reviving old memories. A Dream. Situations Vacant Column.—Wanted smart youth to learn trade, must be prepared to join territorial forces. Wanted, intelligent capable man for factory. Preference will be given to serving territorials.

But alas—only a dream. However, let us not forget Abraham Lincoln’s dream about slavery in America —it came true. ___