OUR DEFENCE.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume II, Issue 113, 27 April 1912, Page 5

OUR DEFENCE.

PROPOSED HONORARY CORPS

A public meeting was held in the Napier Borough Chandlers last night to discuss the formation of an honorary territorial force. His Worship the Mayor (Mr. J. V. Brown) presided, and Cols. Hislop . and Sandtman were also present. His Worship said he had been asked to call the meeting by some gentlemen connected with military matters in the past. These gentlemen felt that although they were rot able to perform the physical service required desired to show their approval of the territorial movement. No amendment of the Defence Act was proposed. He read apologies from Mr. J. P. Thomson and Chaplain Asher, both of whom expressed appreciation of the movement. Major Sandtman said the object of the proposal was to form an association which would create a useful working body to assist the defence force. No amendment of the Act was necessary, as provision was made for such organisations. Such an association would be extremely useful. Subscriptions would be welcome, but he did not look upon the financial aspect as the most important. What was being attempted by Parliament was not severe or extraordinary. The whole demand made upon the men only amounted to 20 working days of six hours per year. The system was no more than the country could afford. He touched upon the Swiss method of defence, and pointed out that the requirements of service were far less in New’ Zealand. He laid special stress upon the moral support of the great body of citizens. The great difficulty with the present scheme was to get officers—many more were required now than before. The standard of efficiency was also highe/, and it involved more time and trouble to become officers. Young men therefore were inclined to remain in the ranks. The ladies could help to spur on the young men to distinguish themselves in their military training. The association would make the young men feel that by undergoing their military training they were pleasing their immediate relatives and friends. The Minister and Commandant were both in favour of the scheme. He suggested some little badge or button to be worn by the members. He moved that this meeting cordially approves of the proposal that civilians should be accorded the privilege of becoming honorary members of the territorial forces, and pledges itself to support any organisation for the creation of such organisation that the authorities may approve. Col. Hislop endorsed what Col. Sandtman had said. He was glad to see Napier was the third city in New Zealand to take up the matter. What they wanted was moral support, and if such an association w'as set upon foot they would feel that the citizens were not only giving their moral support but were part and parcel of the forces. It would do more than anything to remove antagonism and make for the success of the defence scheme. Mr. K. Buchanan seconded the motion, and warmly supported the Defence Act, which was one of the best Acts passed by any Government. The training of the young men would benefit them physically and morally. If he w’ere a young girl he would be ashamed to be seen out w'ith a young man who was not a territorial.

Mr. Snodgrass said, as an old volunteer he knew hove valuable public sympathy was. If by this means they could gather sympathy here it would work wonders. Mr. S. McLernon said he was always of opinion that the defence system had the hearty support of the people of New Zealand. He had heartily supported the military training. In a country like this he thought it was the least each citizen could do to render a measure of service in protection of the body politic. The motion was then put and carried unanimously.

His Worship said he thought the duty should be taken off band instruments. Hastings Band had to pay as much us £9O on their new set of instruments. He moved in that direction. Col. Hislop seconded. and the motion was carried. Col. Sandtman then moved that all present form themselves into a committee —with the Mayor as chairman —with power to add to their number.

Seconded by Mr. Campbell and carried.

Mr. Crerar w.gs then elected sccrc tary pro tem. The following members v. ore then enrolled ■—Messrs. R. D. D. McLean. J. Snodgrass, A. Campbell, S. McLernon, J. V. Brown, R. L. Pat*erson, T. Scobie. W. Dickinson, K. Beecham, A. T. Robinson, H. J. Hull, T. G. A. Richardson, IL Pedlle, J. Taylor. H. Minett, T. B. Gardiner, G. H. Arthur, —. Carr.