THE TERRITORIALS

King Country Chronicle, Volume XXXIII, Issue 4815, 26 July 1939, Page 5

THE TERRITORIALS

GRATIFYING RESPONSE. REPLY TO CRITICISM. SPORTS BODIES' HELP. "On July 20 the Territorial Force required only 1395 men to bring it up to the extended establishment of 16,000, all ranks," said Major G. H. Clifton, M.C., N.Z.S.C, secretary of the Army Recruiting Committee, on Monday. "That was a week ago, and as the present rate of enlistment is between 900 and 1000 a week, it is reasonable to suggest that the full establishment strength will be reached much more quickly than was anticipated. That is the reply to the persistent criticisms which are being made in various quarters, first, that Territorial recruiting is lagging, and, second, that the men between the ages of 18 and 32 are not prepared to do their duty. "It is very gratifying ot be able to state that the total strength of the Territorial Force on July 20 was 14,641, out of the present peace establishment of 16,000. Considering that the special recruiting campaign, which was initiated by the Prime Minister's personal appeal, was commenced only on June 28, the results speak for themselves. All units throughout New Zealand, both country and city, are sending in the same reports—the men between the ages of 18 and 32 are responding in no uncertain manner."

It was particularly satisfactory to know that sports bodies throughout the country wer.e taking an active part in the recruiting activities, especially the Rugby football clubs in the provincial centres, said Major Clifton. It would be invidious to mention different clubs where so many were helping, but the list for the Dominion as a whole was most imposing. They were also receiving support of great value from the Young Farmers' Clubs, the members of which were recruiting in the provincial infantry regiments and the mounted rifle regiments. Many of these young men had the best horses in the districts, and they were therefore the ideal type when mounted regiments were considered.