HON. TERRITORIALS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXIII, Issue 8645, 23 August 1913, Page 6

HON. TERRITORIALS.

ASHBURTGM ASSOCIATION FORMED.

A REPRESENTATIVE MEETING

SEVENTY MEMBERS ENROLLED

There was an attendance of about 70 gentlemen at the Masonic Hall last evening in response to the advertisement calling a meeting of those interested in the formation of a branch of the Honorary Territorials Association in the Asliburton district. The gathering was a thoroughly representative one, including as it did the most prominent citizens of the town and suburbs.

Mr 0. J. Harper was unanimously elected chairman, and,,vin his opening remarks, stated that he understood the object of the meeting was to form a branch of the Honorary Territorials Association, open only to persons residing in the County. He was very pleased to preside over such. a/. meeting, .and-al-though .he could not claim that he had been an active volunteer in his young days he could boast that he had brought up his sons as volunteers, and that "one, at all events, had done good service for his country.—(Applause). Everybody, and particularly the -old men," ought to and must take an interest in such an association as was proposed to be formed. Many of those present had been volunteers in their early days; they could now do a great work in* assisting and encouraging the young fellows who were at present serving as Senior Cadets or in ihe Territorial forces.—(Hear, hear). He personally took a very great interest in the "Senior Cadet movement.—(Applause). He called for Mr C. W. Nicoll to explain the aims and objects of the Association they had gathered to form.—(Applause). Mr Nicoll prefaced his' remarks by saying that he was afraid that those present could not look for so much fun as had been provided at the meeting which had been held exactly a fortnight ago—(Laughter). But, if he could not offer them fun and pleasure, he would at least .guarantee that before the meeting concluded they would have done something good and useful.— (Hear, hear). The-object of a Honorary Territorials' Association was to give moral support to those in charge of the defence system and to those serving under the Act—primarily by combatting anti-militarism. That was an important part o£ the duty, not only of members of Honorary Territorials' Associations, but of all the citizens of I the Dominion of New Zealand. Another way in which members could serve was by' 'attending parades. It could hardly' be expected that-all the, weekly parades would be attended, but it was essential that citizens should be present at the ceremonial parades if possible. The Territorials were being neglected in this respect. The association should interest all old volunteers, but the public could also assist defenders and the system. At the last Birthday parade thers had only been three of the public present. That was not right, and a more active interest should be shown in the system of defence. Another way in which the members of the association could help was by turning up at camps and by generally showing an interest in all military work. It was not proposed that the subscription should be heavy, and one shilling was all that was asked, although members could give extra donations. With the funds it was suggested that a challenge cup should be procured and offered as ] a shooting prize for competition among the local corps, or that, the Senior Cadets might be assisted in forming a fife and drum band. Mr Nicoll then j stated' that he had been in communication with a member of the Defence Forces in South Canterbury, who had , been particularly active in connection with the forming of branches of .the Honorary Territorials' Association, and that the members of the branch to which this gentleman was intimately attached pledged themselves to the following conditions:—"(l) To show on every°possible occasion their interest m and "approval of the present scheme of military training; (2) to encourage all cadets and Territorials to willingly and cheerfully carry out their military duties ; (3) to offer every facility to Territorials in their employ to attend drill and annual camp." It must be borne in mind, continued Mr Nicoll, that it was not solely monetary support that was needed on the part of members, but moral support. No organisation like, the Defence Forces could hope to progress without moral support, and it was in this way that the system could be made a success. He suggested that if a branch of the association were formed, a president, vicepresidents, flind committee should be appointed,' the committee to draw up rules and call a further meeting to endorse them. Mr Nicoll then moved the following resolution:—"That in rder to show practical interest in, vvd approval of, the defence system of the Dominion, an association be formed, to 1)0. called 'The Ashburton Honora-y Territorial Association.' " —(Applause. Mr W. G. Hillier, in seconding the motion, said that Mr Nicoll had covered most of the ground. The speilcer had lorig thought that the Territorials were worthy of more support than had hitherto been given them.—(Applause). Mr J. B. Christian said that 1 in discussing the proposal of forming an association, there appeared to be no doubt as to the feeling of the public in regard to the matter. Interest and sympathy were being manifested in the movement —(Hear, hear). The objects had been fully explained by Mr Nicoll, and 'the; formation of, an association would 'have the effect of ensuring greater efficiency--among-the members of -the Territorial'forces. Parents and friends of Senior Cadets and Territorials should join the body and show a practical interest in the work of the Defence Act. They would, by associating themselves with the honorary territorials, foster a spirit of esprit de corps which was very vital and necessary—(Hear, hear). The Territorials had already shown that they could do good work, and if the public took an interest in them it would be an incentive to them to do better things.—(Applause). Mr J. Williams was of the opinion that the formation of an association would be of more service to the Senior Cadets and Territorials than was generally realised. He spoke of the^good work done in camps by the C.E.M.S. and su^cesied that the association could do' Csimi!a.r work.—(Applause). The chairman said thnt although Aslibm-bon was a-bit late, ho IV.lb sure that they should'all endeavour to take v butter" and a more active interest iv

the defence system than they had done heretof ore.—(Applause). The motion was put and carried unanimously. The enrolment of members then took place, and over 70 of those present [ joined the newly-formed association. In reply to a question by Mr W. F, Waiters,.* the chairman stated that members could also enrol their wives and lady friends. The following officers were unanimously elected:—President, Mr C. J. Harper;. vice-presidents, the Very Rev. Dean J. J. O'Donnell. the Rev. Messrs X R. Burgin, W. J. Elliott and J. Ings, Messrs W. Nosworthy, . M.P., and X Studholme; committee, Messrs W. ■&.. Roberts, W. G. Hillier, A. A. Fooks, C. W. Nicoll. B. F- Nicoll. X Trevor Thomas, W. J. Sparrow, F. Ferriman, R,-Olarlc;;F. B. Robilliard and R. A. Collins. The r-vttf- >■". appointing a secretary- and i was left m abeyance. A cordial vote of thanks to the chair, and the singing: of a verse of the National Anthem, brought the meeting to a conclusion.

Subsequently the committee met and appointed Mr 0. W. Nicoll as its secretary. In pur advertising columns Mr Nicoll^invites all supporters of the moveiilent in the the County—particularly ex-Service mcn v ex-Contingenterß, and ex-Volunteers —to send in their names as members.