KEEPING IT GOING.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 171, 22 July 1930, Page 5

KEEPING IT GOING.

THE AUCKLAND REGIMENT.

VOLUNTEER PROPOSALS.

CONTINUED LOYALTY EVIDENT,

"It is very encouraging to one wlio has served under both the volunteer and the territorial systems to find that there is a strong desire on the part of the rank and file of the Auckland Regiment to keep the unit in existence," said Lieuteant-Colonel T. H. Dawson to-day, when discussing the encouraging results of a meeting of officers. N.C.O.'s and men ivhich was held in Auckland last evening. Twenty-five officers and 34 non commissioned officers volunteered last evening to keep the name of the regiment alive while the Government's defence retrenchment scheme is in force. Ma.ny men who were unable to attend the meeting intimated their intention of continued loyalty, and a spirit of ojjtimism was in evidence. Colonel Dawson, who presided, said he could not enlarge upon What had already been stated regarding the cut in the defence forces. Until a definite statement was received from the Government, matters were still in the melting pot. If the officers and non-1 commissioned officers would stand by and j keep things going for twelve months, or perhaps a shorter period, they would iiave leaders capable of taking over whatever form of training was instituted. Advanced training would be done in subjects which former training left little time to give attention to, and if arrangements could be made with employers there was a prospect of a six days' camp for a limited number. Colonel Dawson expressed his regret that there had been no proper opportunity for officers and men to meet in a final parade. It was hoped, however, that a battalion smoke concert would be arranged at an early date, and there would then be an opportunity for final farewells to be made.

"From what I saw last evening, I am convinced, that there is a strong desire on the part of many to keep the old regiment alive,'' said Colonel Dawson. "Everything depends on the official statement in Parliament. If it is announced that the territorial force is to be abolished without reserve, I am afraid any attempt to form a volunteer unit in Auckland will be futile. If, on the other hand, some scheme is put forward by which the regiment can I>© continued, I am convinced it will not be s'hort of old memoers and also of new recruits."