GREYMOUTH TERRITORIALS

Greymouth Evening Star, 23 August 1939, Page 2

GREYMOUTH TERRITORIALS

APPEAL MADE BY MAYOR. Speaking to a “Star” reporter, today, the Mayor (Mr F. A. Kitchingham) said that every thinking citizen must and did support the appeal made by the Prime Minister a few weeks ago for every main, who was physically fit and between the prescribed ages (1832 and in exceptional cases to 35), to link up with Hie Territorial Forces for home defence. “Under the new l organisation of the Nelson. Marlbor- | ough and West Coast regiment. Greymouth, on a population basis, should supply a full company of 120 men, plus a permitted excess of 20 per cent., or 144 in all.” Mr Kitchingham said. “Prior to May last, the Greymouth platoon comprised only 38 men, and now it has 98, so there has been a good increase, but the new organisation demands another 46 men. Hokitika, which is to provide three platoons, lias already filler! its quota, | and it is not to Greymouth’s credit that it should be behind its southern neighbour—a friendly rivalry should put the towns on a level footing." “For years past Captain Fitzgerald (of the Expeditionary Force’, and Mr (now Captaiin) Caldwell carried Hie Territorials on at GreymouHi with little public encouragement,” Mr Kitchingham continued. ■■Latterly, they have been assisted by Colonel Butcher, but. the time has arrived for an awakening of public interest; we cannot shut our eyes to the danger and difficulties overseas, and' to the fafat that New Zealand must provide for its own land defence. An appeal is made to employers to put no obstacle in Hie way of men wishing to render service in the Territorial-. Lastly, the physical qualifications now required of recruils is much higher than previously, and acceiitane.e tor service is a proof of physical fitness.”