MORE INSTRUCTORS.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1359, 9 February 1912, Page 5

MORE INSTRUCTORS.

FOR A CITIZEN ARMY, 61 POSITIONS TO 138 FILLED. Vor some time past it Ims been apparent that the present staff of instructors employed by the Dcfonco Department for the training of the territorials and senior cadets is inadequate to copo with (ho work under circumstances which will most favourably suit tho convenience of the business community. The following aniMMincKinent was issued from General Headquarters yesterday :— "Arrangements for the training of Iho territorials and senior cadets having now reached n certain stage of maturity, it becomes necessary for the Defence Department; to consider the interests and convenience of those connected with various ilidustrics and agricultural and commercial pursuits by affording military instruction and training to territorials and senior cadets as near as possible to their homes, and at times and on dates most suitable to the exigencies of their respective callings. "It has accordingly been decided to appoint, a further butch of non-commission-ed officers to carry out tho duties of instructors and area sergeant-majors—Hi in each of the four military districts. Officers Commanding Districts havo received instructions to proceed with flic necessary arrangements for Iho selection of suitable men from those offering in their respective districts. "In tho selection of the Gi referred to, preference will be given to non-commis-sioned officers of the Territorial Force at present serving, if suitable. Ex-non-com-missioned officers of the volunteer force and Territorial Force, also ex-members of New Zealand contingents raised for service during (he South African War, .aswell as ex-non-conimissioned officers of the Imperial Army at present residing in New Zealand, are all eligible for selection. "Applicants will be required to undergo preliminary tests, and a short 'refresher' camp of instruction will be hold to secure uniformity in method of instruction and performance of duties on the part of those selected for appointment. Selected candidates will be afforded facilities for improving their knowledge and being brought up to date before commencing duty. The 04 men to bo appointed will complete the establishment of non-commissioned officers on (he permanent staff necessary for all requirements, and qualified men desirous of appointment should lose no time in offering their services. Applications should be forwarded to tho Officer Commanding the Military District in which tho candidate resides. CONDITIONS OV APPOINTMENT. It is desired Hint applications should be sent in to the respective centres by March 15 next. Tho terms and conditions of appointment are, on material points, identical with those which governed the appointments of tho officers and non-commission-ed officers who were appointed in December, 1010, and attended the school of instruction at Tauhcriniknu before proceeding to their respective districts as area officers and area sergeant-instructors, namely:— Applicants must not be under 21 or over 35, except in special cases approved by the General Officer Commanding. On first application to produce medical certificate as to health and fitness for service, and before final nocentinoc to bo examined before a medical board. Prior to selection, applicants, when notified, will be required to attend at headquarters to undergo preliminary test examination as to fitness. On selection, the non-commissioned officer will be on probation for six months, after which, if his work is satisfactory, his appointment will lie confirmed. Non-commissioned officers on confirmation of their appointment, will rank as sergeant-instructors on the New Zealand Permanent Staff; after three years' service, they will, on recommendation, be promoted (o scrpeauts-uinjor, and two years later may bo promoted to warrant rank. The scale of pay rises from .filGO per annum; for sergoant-inslruclors, to .t'ISO for' 'sergeants-major, and .£2OO for warrant officers. Previous service in eqiuil grade in the New Zealand Permanent Staff or Permanent Vorce will count towards the higher rate of pay, but tho increment will in all cases be dependent upon efficiency and renort, and, if required, a. qualifying examination. Travelling allowances will bo granted, according to regulation scale, and successful candidates will bo required to join (ho Superannuation Fund. Education, test: Standard VI, or certificate by headmaster from inter-collegiate school testifying- to two years' tuition nt the school, and duly qualified in examination equivalent to Standard VI. Particular regard will bo paid to (he personal character of (he candidates, as it is recognised by headquarters that the territorial system of military training brings the officers and non-commissioned officers into close personal contact with the youth of the community, nnd that tho influence of tho army must by every possible means be made a factor in assisting to raise the tone and social discipline of the young men of tho country (o the highest possible standard. It is also pointed out that young men appointed to these positions will have tho fullest opportunity of advancing themselves in the profession of arms, and entering the commissioned ranks if so qualified. These opportunities, of course, will apply .only to tho younger men of 25 years of age, or thereabouts, (for the older men of 35 or so will find the age limit for entry into the commissioned ranks a stumbling-block.