Territorial Association To Fill New Role

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29220, 2 June 1960, Page 14

Territorial Association To Fill New Role

The Army wanted the goodwill of the people of Christchurch and Canterbury and it hoped to get tins through the Territorial Association of Canterbury, Major R. E. Johnston, commander of Area 10 in the Southern Military District, told a meeting of the association last evening. Major Johnston said the Army believed the old idea of the Territorial Association being expected to be a moneymaking concern was “out”

He said the Army wanted to gain the support of the association’s executive and employers in the city and Canterbury. “We want to get men to camps and away on courses and to have the general goodwill of the city and the population of Canterbury through the Territorial Association.”

Major Johnston said the Army also wanted the association’s support for Territorial Force recruiting drives. He said the association could also help with Territorial clubs that the Army was forming in the main areas and the smaller subareas

“We don’t expect you to go along and help serve tea, but perhaps later you might like to look at the local club or give something to it, in the way of furnishing. to make it better.”

He said he was sure the Territorial units would appreciate any “extras” the association “sees fit to add to the club.”

Accommodation was a problem at King Edward Barracks. The club was at present using a small bandroom there.

Major Johnston said his job was to be “liaison Detween the association and the active Army." Mr S. M. Pritchard, chairman of the association’s interim committee, said recruiting would be an important part of the association’s work.

He said he felt strongly about the case of a Territorial Force commander who had sent in his papers because the Minister of Defence (Mr Connolly) postponed a Sunday shoot The Minister had said there were six days of the week for recruiting, but. he disagreed. “There are only two days in the week—Saturday and Sunday —when the Army can recruit. “If we want an Army I think we can bring pressure to bear to help the Territorial officer to form this Army,” he said. The association formed the following interim committee: Mr S. M. Pritchard (chairman). Messrs R. Jones, A. Farrar, R. H. Bell, R. G. Kingscote, S. S. Lamont N. Murchison.