TERRITORIAL OFFICERS

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16215, 18 May 1918, Page 8

TERRITORIAL OFFICERS

THEIR EXPEDITIONARY FORCE RANK. (press association telegram.) WELLINGTON, May 17. The Minister of Defence said to-day that it was very unfortunate that the Defence Department could not find room in the Expeditionary Force for all commissioned Territorial officers as officers, as a number of men who had seen service were returning to New Zealand with commissions to join reinforcement drafts Several of the Territorial officers concerned had volunteered. Somo had been accepted; the applications of others had been delayed. Some had entered camp, and were eager to get away, but owing to the reduction in the percentage of reinforcements, they had to be held back. It was much regretted that these men should have to come in as sergeants, but every effort would be made after they haa entered camp to find places for them with their commissions.

(PRESS ASSOCIATION' TELEGRAM.)

TIMARU, May 17,

The Defence Department being unable to find a place for him as an officer. Lieutenant 11. S. P. Hopkins, ■who hag been group officer here for some time past, left to-day to go 'r.to camp as a private. He was to havo gone as a lieutenant in the oth Reinforcements, but a severe illness prevented liim. Being young and single, and, as married men nro going into enmn, Lieutenant Hopkins thought it his (lutv to get there. Ho therefore enlisted. Ho was very popular with military men. and received several presentations before his denarture. His relatives live in Christcliurch.