THE TERRITORIALS

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 20, 18 October 1941, Page 11

THE TERRITORIALS

Importance Of Collective Training NO DELAY POSSIBLE “In view of the conditions in the world today, it is very necessary indeed that there should be no avoidable delay in commencing this collective training, which is of importance to the efficiency of the Army in New Zealand,” said the Minister of Defence, Mr. Jones, in reply to Mr. Gordon (Opposition, Rangitikei), who had asked whether the Minister would consider the possibility of having the training of Territorials postponed till after March. Mr. Gordon drew attention to a report from Christchurch that all Territorials would be called up for two months’ further training in January and February. Sir. Jones said it bad been decided that the I'er.ritorial Force would in future carry out two months’ collective training in camp instead of two weeks as previously, and it had been proposed to do this training during January, February, March. April and May. The exact period for each unit was still under discussion and would be arranged, as far as possible, to suit local conditions.

“It must be recognized, however, that the availability of training equipment, vehicles and camp equipment also affects the question, while the effect of the weather on troops under canvas or in bivouac must necessarily receive the most serious consideration,” said Mr. Jones.