THE VOLUNTEER FORCE.

Auckland Star, Volume XLV, Issue 186, 6 August 1914, Page 6

THE VOLUNTEER FORCE.

TRAINING CAMPS IN FOUR j CENTRES. DEFENCE IfTNiISTER'S STATEMENT. THE PAY AND THE PLAN'S. (By Telegraph.—Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON. Wednesday. t Speaking to your correspondent regarding the mobilisation of tbe 7,000 -territorials, the' Hon. James Allen (Minister of Defence) stated that the men would be asked to volunteer on the understanding that they would go outside if called or if wanted. " We are not going to call up all the territorials, because wo do not want them. There is no need, and we hope there will 'be no need." continued tlie Minister. ''We want the 7.000 or so men to mobilise in view of war having been declared. They will go into camp in the four centres at first, and go through a course of training suc-h as is undertaken at the ordinary camps. They will receive territorial pay and rations. The forte will lie a mixed mounted and infantry force, and district officers were warned to-day by telegram to request company commanders to call for volunteers." '"Can you give any indication as to the possible destination of the volunteers?" the Minister was asked. Tie replied that it was impossible to say at present, 'because at the moment there was no call to send anyone out of the country. DUNEDIN, this day. Port Chalmers Territorials mobilised to-day. The call to arms met with an enthusiastic response. The- men have been drafted to Taiaroa Deads batteries and Central battery in Dunedin.