WORK APPRECIATED

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 53, 31 August 1939, Page 10

WORK APPRECIATED

RESERVISTS IN TRAINING

MINISTER'S ADDRESS

An informal visit was paid by the Minister of Defence (the Hon. F. Jones) to the Drill Hall, Buckle Street, last night when a number of ex-service-men were undergoing training as members of the National Military Reserve. The-- Minister was accompanied by Major E. H. Whiting, Publicity Officer, Headquarters. Wellington Military District. . The Minister expressed his appreciation of the men's enthusiasm and of the ability with which they were carrying out their work. The men were some of the hundreds of volunteers who, in the event of any emergency, will mount guard over vital points in and around Wellington. Though they varied greatly in . age, social position, and occupation, they were all former comrades-in-arms and experienced soldiers who had not forgotten their training. "I am very glad that I was able to watch you Diggers undergoing your training course," said the Minister, in a short address to the men. "It is pleasing indeed to see such enthusiasm as you are putting into your work. I feel sure that 'if the balloon goes up' —but I sincerely hope it will not— you will be ready and able to play your part in the defence of New Zealand." He said he found it gratifying to know that there were so many returned soldiers willing to do their duty. The Government greatly ■ appreciated their action. The Government was grateful, too, to the instructors, to the permanent staff, and, on behalf of the citizens of New Zealand, to the young n.2n who had enlisted in the Territorials. It was particularly fine to see these ex-servicemen placing themi selves willingly under the orders of instructors who were in many cases younger than themselves, and without wartime experience. It 4 was reassuring to know that they would serve again with the same spirit they showed from 1914 to 1918. He intended to inform the Acting Prime Minister, Mr. Fraser, of what he had seen, and how readily the returned soldiers were responding to their country's call. ' The Minister hoped that all men with previous military experience who intended to join up would do so immediately, as there were still certain vacancies to be filled, and it was imperative that their refresher training be undertaken as soon as possible.