"BEST MANHOOD."

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 38, 15 February 1937, Page 9

"BEST MANHOOD."

UNIT FOR CORONATION. THE METHOD OF SELECTION. Particulars of the selection of a contingent of New Zealand soldiers to attend the Coronation are contained in an official circular issued to units of the Territorial Force. The contingent will comprise 50 of all ranks, of whom 25 will be returned men. The selected men will be required to report at Trentham on February 25, and they will sail from Wellington on March 11. The regular personnel will be selected by General Headquarters, while separate arrangements have been made through the Returned Soldiers' Association for the selection of the ten returned men not serving in the military forces. The" composition of the contingent is as follows:—Regular Forces: One major, one captain, one first-class warrant officer, one sergeant; total 4. Mounted Rifles: One captain, one sergeant, nine rank and file; total 11. Artillery: One lieutenant, one corporal, three rank and file; total 5. Engineers: One corporal. Signals: One corporal. Infantry: One major, one captain, one lieutenant, one sergeant, one corporal, 10 rank and file; total 15. Army Service Corps: One rank and file. Air 'Force: One lieutenant. Medical Corps: One lieutenant. Returned soldiers not now serving: 10. Grand total, 50. - The minimum physical standard is aa follows:—Height in bare feet, sft Biaj chest, expanded, 35in; weight, lOst 91b; age, 18 to 40 years, or 50 if a returned soldier. Territorial Force candidates must have had at least two years' efficient service. Married men must satisfy the selection board of their Unit that adequate provision is being made for the maintenance of their dependants in their absence. "The object to be aimed at is to provide a contingent of New Zealand soldiers who, by their physique, discipline, bearing and appearance in England, will draw praiseworthy attention to themselves as being representative of New Zealand's best manhood," states the circular.