WET CANTEENS

Grey River Argus, 5 February 1942, Page 6

WET CANTEENS

For All N.Z. Camps ASKED BY R.S.A. EXECUTIVE P.A. WELLINGTON, Feb. 4. . Representations have been made by the Dominion Executive of the N.Z,R.S.A. for the establishment of wet canteens at each battalion headquarters of the National Military Reserve throughout the Dominion, and also at all of the other military camps, where possible, throughout the Dominion. The executive also decided to bring before the Minister’s notice the fact that members of the National Military Reserve, in some districts, were obliged to pay full rail fares when travelling from and to duty, and that concessions are available in some districts, but do not apply in others. It also was decided to adopt a suggestion, and make representations accordingly, in connection with an appeal for binoculars for the armed forces, that, as rifles had been called in by the Government, the same method of collection should also apply to' binoculars.

National Reserve AS FRONT LINE TROOPS. WELLINGTON, Feb. 4. Mr. J’ones, announcing changes in the organisation of the defence forces to meet mobilisation requirements, said that when the National Military Reserve was formed, it was intended that its role should be as second line troops, but the situation since necessitated their utilisation as

i first line troops. The great majority of these men are veterans of the Great War, and many now are not quite up to high physical standard required for first lin'e troops. This has already resulted in a number being medically boarded out, and others have been, and more will be, released on account of hardship, etc. As balloted men become availavle, it is intended to build up all the first line units, with the higher category of men, and this will enable men now serving in the National Reserve units, who should not for various reasons be retained in the first line units, to be transferred to the Home Guard, which, in future, will provide all the second line troops required. When the transfer of personnel is being made, special consideration will be given to the retention of oflicers, warrant and noncommissioned officers, and specialists, and changes will be made in such a manner as not to impair efficiency. When these changes are implemented» Chfe present National Reserve battalions and companies will no longer retain a National Reserve complexion, and the titles of units will be altered to accord with the changes. * For example, the First National Reserve Battalion (Auckland), will become a battalion of the Auckland Regiment, and various National Reserve companies will become independent infantry companies, jafliliated to the local infantry regiment. The Minister added that the changes in designation should have a beneficial moral effect on our expanding Teritorial Army, jin that new battalions will be allowed to share,the very fine traditions of the parent regiment. Mr. Jones paid a tribute to the service and example of the National

Reserve. POSTINGS TO CAMP. CHRISTCHURCH, Jan. 4. The bulk of the remainder of the single men called in the N.Z.E.F. and Teritorial ballots, but not yet in camp, will be posted to camps for training on February 17, it wa's announced at the headquarters of the Southern Military District. It was also announced that the first draft of Christchurch married men without children, who were included in the recent call-up, will be posted to the 4th Battalion, Canterbury Regiment (formerly National Reserve Battalion), and will go into camp on February 16. This draft, it was stated would include a limited number of men. The remainder of married men without children, who were passed fit for service, would be posted to camp as and when required.