FRONTIERSMEN MEET

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 98, 28 April 1939, Page 17

FRONTIERSMEN MEET

DOMINION CONFERENCE

NEW COMMANDANT

The annual conference of the British Corps of (25th) Frontiersmen Inc., embodying the Association of the 25th Royal Fusiliers, was held in Wellington on Saturday. The conference was opened by the Commandant, Colonel K. W. Martyn-Roberts, V.D., there being a full representation of delegates present from, the squadrons arid troops of both the North and South Islands. The balance-sheet indicated that the finances of the corps were in a very healthy condition, especially the funds of D Squadron, Christchurch, which showed a credit balance of. over £16. The conference noted with satisfaction that the corps had several members who had qualified under the De T fence authorities as competent instructors in' preventive methods adopted against the use of chemicals (gas) in warfare. Reports of the difI ferent squadrons stated that the gas course adopted by the corps had produced numerous efficient instructors, and, as a result, numerous requests for this training had been received from different kindred organisations, which included the nursing staff of the Wanganui Hospital, and the ladies' auxiliary in Christchurch. j The resignation of the commandant, Colonel Martyn-Roberts", was ac- | cepted with, regret. He stated that ( on account of. advancing years and health he felt that he should make way for a younger man, and nominated Major Alan Smith, his chief staff officer, as his successor. Major Smith ] was unanimously elected as commandant with the Frontiersmen rank of colonel Appreciation of the work of the retiring commandant was placed on record, he having served continuously in military activities for over forty years. • Colonel Martyn-Roberts and Major A. N. Hardy were elected as the two commissioners of the corps and also honorary life members. Uniformity of training was. stressed | by the commandant as being desirable.' This comprises the Mounted Infantry course, gas training in 'the care and protection of civilian population against gas and chemical warfare, and specialisation in military mapping, signalling, and any other branch of military activities in which the squadron possesses competent instructors. It was stressed that the annual examinations for appointments and promotion must be encouraged, as no ap- | pointments would be made of unqualified men. The result of the last ex-! amination indicated that the corps possessed capable officers, and hope was expressed that the same standard | would be maintained in the future. The commandant proposed that during Anzac week, 1940. the corps should I hold a week's bivouac in Wellington, when a combined parade would be held, and all members would be allowed to visit the Exhibition.