VETERANS' SUPPORT

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 95, 19 October 1938, Page 15

VETERANS' SUPPORT

RECRUITING DRIVE

VALUABLE ASSISTANCE

"The returned soldiers are giving wonderful assistance in helping to bring the defence forces up to the minimum number laid down as necessary for the protection of New Zealand," said Major E. H. Whiting, district publicity officer, in an interview today. In spite of advancing years, coupled with the effects of the hardships they suffered during the war, 60 returned men have volunteered to man the searchlights at Fort Dorset. This splendid example will certainly be a le*id for younger men to come forward and allow themselves to be trained so that, should ever the necessity arise, they will be able to play their part in the defence of this country," said Major Whiting. Apart altogether from the military angle, the question of the physical and moral benefits of collective training had also to be taken, into consideration by young men. It had been found, by careful observation, that special reservists, after only tliree months' training at Trentham, had all put on weight, and an average lin increase in chest expansion, as well as a decided improvement in erectness of carriage. Nobody doubted the benefits of team training for football, and those same benefits could be obtained by military training. In addition to this, the men were trained in the responsibilities of leadership. The citizens of New Zealand were realising that every man who wears the King's uniform was a man who had not only volunteered to serve in the defence of New Zealand, but was giving up his time to fit himself to do that job efficiently. As examples of the way in which the returned men were assisting, Major Whiting mentioned the recent formation of a platoon for the Wellington Regiment (City of Wellington's Own) at Karori under the sponsorship of the Karori branch of the Wellington R.S.A. "The Kilbirnie and Miramar branches are lending practical support, too," said Major Whiting. . Recently he and Captain B. Barrington, area recruiting officer, had addressed the executive of the Kilbirnie branch and they had decided to sponsor a platoon for the Wellington Regiment. A public meeting of those interested would be held at the Kilbirnie R.S.A. clubrooms on Monday week, when it was expected that sufficient fit young men of the right type would be enlisted. Major Whiting mentioned that at a "korero" of returned men held at Miramar last night, after an appeal for support to fill vacancies in the 15th Battery at Fort Dorset, the following resolution had been passed unanimously;:—"That the Miramar branch of the. Wellington R.S.A. pledges itself to raise sufficient volunteers from the young men of the district to man a battery at the forts." Speakers had stressed the necessity of a defence force and the benefits they themselves had experienced as a result of military training in their younger days. Major Whiting expressed the opinion that while this spirit animated the returned soldiers of New Zealand, coupled with their willingness to back up volunteers, the desired minimum of trainees would soon be obtained and waiting lists for every unit would be the rule and not the exception. The new blue dress uniforms would/ be available shortly, and when the units were fitted out, their appearance in parade would add; a colourful touch to the ceremony. "There is one point I would like to stress," added Major Whiting, "and that is that the Territorials are for the defence of New Zealand only; they are not liable for service overseas. In the event 6f any force being sent overseas, separate enlistment would.be called for and no Territorial would be under any obligation to leave this country."