THE TERRITORIALS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 59, Issue 225, 6 July 1939, Page 6

THE TERRITORIALS.

VALUE OF ASSOCIATIONS,

(Per Press Association). WELLINGTON, July 5. Territorial recruiting was going ahead at a great, rate. The new strength of 16,000 would be reached much more quickly than had been anticipated, said the -Minister for Dei fenqe (the. Hon. F. Tones) ip a statement this, evening. People asked why the total had been fixed at 16,000, lie said;. That was because the modern army, navy, and air experts who attended the recent Pacific defence conference had recommended that number for the New Zealand Army. , “They considered that'New Zealand required balanced fighting services, and that with the- existing naval and air plans '16,000 territorials were, adequate to ensure our national security, Mr Jones said. “But we must have them. If an-emergency does come in tho next few months the present tern-, torial force will have to bear the brunt of home defence. We arc filling up the expanded ranks with men of the right type. We are filling up fast, yet more than that is needed. Every small scattered, unit, each platoon or troop in important country areas, needs the hacking of public-spirited citizens who can do a great service by showing in a practical manner that they are proiid to 'help the men who are proud serve their country. ■ “In my opinion these local territorial or regimental associations are the . most important factor in building up. our citizen-soldier organisation.”

ENROLMENTS AT HASTINGS.

HASTINGS, July 5. In spite of cold and unpleasant weather 200 young men. attended an enthusiastic recruiting meeting at Hastings to-night. The recruiting campaign has achieved a remarkable success, and at the end of the meeting to-night the enrolments exceeded the number required to bring Hastings units of the Wellington Regiment up to its now strength.