RECREATION CLUBS FOR TERRITORIALS

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28890, 9 May 1959, Page 11

RECREATION CLUBS FOR TERRITORIALS

Facilities For Junior Ranks (New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, May 8. Territorial units are to have soldiers’ clubs with wet canteen facilities. The clubs will be at units’ permanent parade centres, but may be moved, if desired, to the sites of units’ annual camps. The director of recruiting at Army Headquarters (Colonel H. J. G. Low) said today that the ciubs, for use by soldiers up to and including the rank of corporal, would not be established primarily as wet canteens. “This must remain secondary to the main purpose of providing recreational and social activity within the unit,’* said Colonel Low. "The operation of the wet canteens will be subject to limitation of hours and to strict control and supervision at all times. In particular, the law affecting minors will be enforced at all times.” Colonel Low said that the clubs would provide reading material and recreational facilities, including games. The provision of these facilities was aimed both at meeting the needs of the territorial soldiers and of providing an atmosphere likely to interest potential recruits. “Officers and senior non-com-missioned officers have their own messes, and there has long been a need for a similar facility for the junior ranks,” said Colonel Low “Soldiers’ clubs have been formed for some time m the Regular Force and the authority now given to territorial units will afford the volunter territorial the same amenities enjoyed by the regular.” It was hoped that all territorial units would form or revive regimental associations Together with the soldiers clubs, this would mean more emphasis than in the past on the social side of territorial service.