THE H.B. TRIBUNE. SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 1912. HONORARY TERRITORIALS.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume II, Issue 113, 27 April 1912, Page 4

THE H.B. TRIBUNE. SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 1912. HONORARY TERRITORIALS.

The meeting held in Napier last night for the purpose of discussing the formation of an honorary territorial force was nbt largely attended, but the idea appeared to be keenly taken up by those present. There is little doubt that if the public had more fully understood the objects of the-meeting many others would have attended. ' Some people were inclined to think that the honorary connection with the forces meant some slight measure of service, but Col. Sandtman made it plain last night that all required from the honorary territorial was his moral support and possibly some little financial assistance to the forces by prizes for shooting, band, etc. The idea expounded by the Colonel last night was to obtain by this organisation a practical demonstration that the sympathies of the great mass of the people were behind the young men in their military training. Not only that, but that their relatives and friends were part and parcel of the system under which they were training. This appears to us an. admirable suggestion. Moral support may mean much or little, but in the case of volunteering it has proved to be of immeasurable value. The same rule should apply to the territorials, and the element of compulsion will disappear from the service when it is once felt that the territorial is only part of a defence system to which the great majority of the people belong. Mr. Crerar, who was appointed secretary pro tem, will take the names of any persons who are willing to enrol. It is hoped to hold a meeting in Hastings with a like object soon.