DEFENCE FORCES

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 143, 14 December 1938, Page 11

DEFENCE FORCES

ARMY RECRUITING

MANUFACTURERS' SUPPORT

At a meeting of the council of the Wellington Manufacturers' Association last night it was decided to appeal to members of the association to give every assistance possible to those who joined the volunteer army.

Major E. H. Whiting, district publicity officer, in addressing the council, said that he was appealing "for their practical as well as moral support in encouraging young men to join the present volunteer forces.

"The fact that this force is being raised and trained for home defence in New Zealand must be of particular interest to those who are engaged in industry in this country," he said. "The greater the, stake in the country the more the need of protection in. the event of an emergency. I would ask you* to remember that in the event of it being necessary to defend this country it is more than likely .that many of your present employees are amongst those who would do their share to protect your property and your home.

"Your practical support is solicited in the matter of giving them every facility to get away to camp and courses for special training as well as doing the best you can in the matter of assistance with pay. This means a sacrifice on your part, but the volunteer is. making a sacrifice in giving up his time to attend parades. The volunteer of today is worthy of every encouragement if for no other reason than "that he has volunteered to do his share in an emergency, so if you appreciate What he is prepared to do for you, give him every assistance you can." At the conclusion of his address Major Whiting was asked a number of questions, and Mr. R. G. Buckleton, in expressing his support of the appeal, said-that in his opinion the manufacturer who employed Territorials was the one who gained on account of the physical fitness of those who undertook training. "It is a really good investment from any manufacturer s point of view," added Mr.Buckletc . "I feel that we can show our appreciation by sending an individual letter to any member of our staffs who joins up," said Mr. A. H. M. Wright. "This will let the men know that they have our moral support." . In expressing his agreement that every encouragement should be given to the "volunteers, Mr. W. G. Harrison said that in his organisation all employees were given leave on full pay while attending . camps for military training. . ' .On the. motion of the president, Mr. H. H. Higgins, a resolution was passed expressing thanks to Major Whiting for his address and assuring him of. the support of the association in every pos- . .ible way.