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Evening Post, Volume XCVII, Issue 55, 7 March 1919, Page 6

Speaking to a reporter at Dunedin, the Minister of Defence (Sir James Allen), referring to the resolution favouring the abolition of the Territorial system, said the local bodies supporting it were making a grave mistake, because they did not understand the situation. In the new system of defence he merely wished the system to be sufficiently organised militarily to bring into existence the Defence Force for use at any time it was required, and to keep a sufficient staff; for the training of men for defensive pur-, poses. It was desired to make more efficient civilians, physically, mentally, and morally, and to prepare them for defence if they were required. He thought that men should enter camp at 18 years for four months' training. Gamps' were being established in both Islands. Men would go through a course similar to that undergone by the Expeditionary Force, with physical drill. It was intended that dental and medical arrangements should be provided. A man would be improved in ca-mp and shown how to take his physical improvismeni; into His own hands and continue it himself.