ARMY PREPARES RECRUITED STRENGTH

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 78, 29 September 1938, Page 10

ARMY PREPARES

RECRUITED STRENGTH

NO SPECIAL CALL YET

Inquiries made at Army Headquarters, Wellington, today indicated that, while all preparations to cope with •an emergency are well under way, no special steps are at present being taken with regard to recruiting or for the enlistment of men for speciai service. It was stated that if an emergency a^ose such steps would promptly be taken, but that in the meantime recruiting was proceeding through the normal channels. The opinion was expressed that the New Zealand defence forces were in a very satisfactory state of preparation and would be able to meet adequately any sudden call upon their organisation.

The present strength of the Territorial forces is slightly below 9000, a position which is regarded as much more satisfactory than it was a year ago. In the event of a war emergency, however, steps will be taken immediately to expand this force to its full war-time strength for purposes of home defence. Officers said today that the type of recruits coming forward was most satisfactory and that the men were very keen and anxious to give any service asked of them. Of the present Territorial strength, approximately 80 per cent, are either wholly or partially trained for home defence service.

An example cited of the keen spirit now animating the volunteer forces was that of the Third Composite Company, A.S.C., with headquarters at Christchurch, which recently carried out a motorised trek from Christchurch to Westport and back. The full strength of the company participated in this valuable training, employing the latest mechanised equipment.

In Wellington the recruits were also stated to be most enthusiastic. The Twenty-second Anti-Aircraft Battery, which was formed only recently, is at present conducting regular training classes for non-commis-sioned officers, and these have been attended by an average of 60 men out of a strength of 104.

Yesterday, * Mr. W. H. Barnard, president of the Wellington branch of the New Zealand Defence League, interviewed the defence authorities and offered, on behalf of the league, to assist 'Mth defence measures in any way considered necessary, including the encouragement of recruiting. The offer was gratefully accepted.