NEED FOR RECRUITS

King Country Chronicle, Volume XXXI, Issue 4566, 8 November 1937, Page 5

NEED FOR RECRUITS

DEFENCE OF NEW ZEALAND. NEW SYSTEM OF TRAINING. MILITARY SMOKO. “We have had a successful year, but we have suffered from the complaint common throughout New Zealand —lack of recruits, and failure to hold those we have for any time,” said Major E. M. Mackersey at the Military Smoko on Saturday evening. Yet never before had there been a greater need for defence, he contended. Great Britain had realised that she could not rely on collective security, and was re-arming with as much expedition as possible. If another war should occur Major Mackersey considered we would suffer from two dangers—if Great Britain were defeated, she would no doubt be called upon to surrender her sparsely populated colonies, and during the war itself New Zealand would be likely to suffer from raids. He did not consider an invasion was likely so long as the British Fleet maintained its supremacy; to maintain lines of communication over thousands of miles of ocean would be too difficult.

The speaker was strongly of the opinion that this country should be prepared to defend ife shores, or, if that was not necessary, be ready to send an expeditionary force overseas to play its part in the defence of the Empire. The new defence scheme was a good one, but what was the use of it if there were no men in training? Personally, he was of the opinion that compulsory training should be re-introduced. A tribute to the men and N.C.O.’s who had stuck so loyally to the Volunteer system since its inception in 1930 was paid by the speaker. They were a tower of strength to the local units, though they had received little encouragement. “I’m looking forward to the day when compulsory training is reintroduced —after all, it’s the fairest way. Every man has a stake in the country, and why leave this matter to the willing few,” said Major Mackersey. He referred to the Company’s winning the Machine-gun Efficiency Cup and Sports Cup at the Rotorua camp—the Company seemed to have a mortgage on the Efficiency Cup, for they had won it every year since the inception of the Volunteer system! An interesting outline of the new system of training was given by Ser-geant-Major Temm. After outlining how in the early days to become a member of a Volunteer force was the aim of every youth, he briefly sketched the position up to the present day. At present only half the strength of the local unit attended the annual camp, and only half the strength was present at the parades. Therefore, the unit could not secure efficiency. To overcome this difficulty the Government had brought down a new scheme, with more generous pay; and it was, he considered, the best that had yet been evolved. A new recruit went through a course of elementary training, which enabled him then to t&ke his place in the ranks. Opportunity was later given for the men to become N.C.O.’s and to study to become officers.

“Even if we have only 1000 men trained throughout the country, it means that in six weeks—probably the earliest we could arrange for transport and other matters —we would be able to train 6000 men,” said Sergeant-Major Temm. The toast to the visitors was proposed by Mr. E. Tong. In responding for the R.S.A., Mr. G. L. Miller said the men in the local units were doing good work under great difficulties, and he could assure them that they had the admiration and support of the R.S.A. He could not understand why the young man was not coming forward, as he had the happiest recollections of his military training.

Mr. Leathers said that one of the main objectives of the Legion was to assist the Territorials, and it would be only pleased at any time to do so.

Mr. W. Rundle - stated the Borough Council would also do all in its power to encourage the Territorial movement.

In proposing the toast to the Territorials, Mr. Miller wished the local unit well, and trusted the men enjoyed the work as he had in the past. In his reply Major Mackersey said the new system of training was excellent and sound, and if the men could be secured, something would be done; if not, however, it was only a waste of money. “We want the right class of recruit —the man who realises his duty to his country and will stay in for three years,” said the speaker. A toast to Major Mackersey was proposed by Mr. J. Dinsdale on behalf of present and former members of the local Territorials. . Mr. Dinsdale paid tribute to Major Mackersey’s splendid work for the Territorial movement. Musical honours were accorded Major Mackersey as the toast was drunk, after which the latter said that it had been an uphill fight for him and the N.C.O.’s in the unit, but he was hoping for better times and the full support of the public.

The Smoko, though perhaps not so well attended as usual, was most enjoyable. Items during the evening were given by Messrs. H. R. White, Lloyd Lee, A. Ryan, Davis, and Sergeant Major Temm, Mr. W. Dent officiating at the piano and leading community singing.