THE TERRITORIALS.

Evening Star, Issue 21711, 4 May 1934, Page 3

THE TERRITORIALS.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —I have for a number of years served in the Territorial Force of New Zealand, and while at the moment unable actively to participate am still very interested in the Defence movement. It was with varying reactions that I read of the “ encouragement ” which is, very solemnly, being offered to the youth of this country to serve in her forces. On several occasions in the last few months we have been assured by the Minister for Defence that the response to the call for volunteers under that system has been very satisfactory. The actual position is that strengths are on paper only, while the available manpower is represented by a very few enthusiasts and a packing of children. I am credibly informed that the position in' the Southern Command is far ahead of that in the north, and if this be the case shudder to think of parade states there. On the last Anzac Day parade the local regiment showed approximately 200 of all ranks, and this included two strong bands. The Canterbury Xlegiment in Christchurch showed sixty. But. of course, we must accept the word of the Minister that the scheme is a success. This process is rendered somewhat different in the face of his latest statement, which presupposes a condition calling for remedies. The remedies brought forward are to some extent sound —the provision of boots should have been arranged long ago—but it is very doubtful if a small amount of pay for parades will attract to bhe Colours a very suitable type of man.. The really genuine step in the right direction is, of course, the provision of sashes for the sergeants. This is important. Whether this country needs a Defence policy at all is, of course, a matter for decision in the high places. That such a scheme exists at all would indicate that it is necessary. And if the scheme is to continue, and to be of any value, the time is well past when a firm grip on it is essential. Public apathy has been bred by official apathy, until to-day this Cinderella force of ours is laughed at by every man who has any real knowledge of its weakness. And now the sergeants are to have sashes! Well, the public get a few cheap laughs to-day, so there is good even in that. If the Government has not in its ranks a man capable of doing the job of Minister of Defence, a frank admission would be very welcome, whereupon we could hand the job. to a paid expert. The present method is merely allowing good men to be forced from the movement, which is practically dead. A little official backing, and a more intelligent use of the present funds, would bring back the type of man the forces need—men whose interests lie rather in soldiering thap in sashes, men with practical experience whose military days are now all too short, but who are more than willing to help the younger men in a job they believe vital to our country. lit might be of interest in this matter to find whether the accounts from members of local units of the comments of a senior officer at a recent camp are accurate, and if they are so, why they have never been made public. After all, the public pay, and money today is too scarce to be wasted.—l am, etc., Ex-Sergeant. May 3.