THE DEFENCE FORCES.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXXIII, Issue 15920, 4 May 1912, Page 13

THE DEFENCE FORCES.

FIRST CANTERBURY REGIMENT. HIS MAJESTY THE KING, . COLONEL-IN-CHIEF. . . Gratification is, expressed amongst Territorials in Canterbury at the announcement made- a ; short time ago, that his Majesty tho King had assumed the position of Colonel-in-Chief of the First Canterbury Regiment of Infantry. Referring to this in conversation ■with a reporter yesterday, LieutenantColonel G. J: Smith, officer-in-com-mand of. the regiment, said that he was in the North of Auckland district when the news was published, and, greatly to his regret,-was not present at the formal: announcement in Auckland. His Majesty's assumption of the position of Colonel-in-Chief of the First Canterbury Regiment of Infantry and the Third Auckland Mounted Rifles was a notable honour for the defence i forces of the whole dominion, and his Majesty's connection with the forces would have a great influence on the movement. When his Majesty, as the Duke of York, visited New Zealand a few years ago, he had an opportunity j of seeing large numbers of the volun- | teers. On that occasion the officers I were presented to him, and it would bo gratifying to all members of the Territorials to know that : the King had sufficient personal interest in the welfare of tho forces in this country to beconio personally associated with them. . , .. His Majestv's action, also, would have a marked effect on the operation of the scheme of defence. Quite a largo number of people evidently still had an impression that the defence forces could be ordered out of New Zealand, on active service. On that account, they were strongly opposing' the'movement' The fact was that the regulations clearly -prohibited anything of that nature.- With the Kings interest in the forces, and a better conception of the scheme, lie had no doubt that it would be received with mucli more general favour: Lieutenant-Colonel Smith has r->-reived the following telegrai» uou: General Godley :—" HearW congratulations to all ranks on the signal honour conferred on your regiment by Ids Majesty the King. LicntenantColonel Smith replied:— -"am thanks- for your congratulations. Ail. ! ranks highlv appreciate the great honour conferred.on the regiment by Ins Majestv tho King, and will endeavour by soldierly bearing and conduct to prove worthy of it." »»..-, c V The Hon A. M. Myers, Minister of Defence, has telegraphed:-"! desire, as Minister of'Defence, to convey to you and the members of your resciment, my hearty congratulations on the lugii honour conferred upon the regiment and the Territorial forces of the dominion in being singled out for distinction b.v his Majesty th f King. 1 feel sure that the honour will be highly appreciated, and bo an incentive net o'nlv to the members of your regiment, but also to the members of the territorial forces generallv, to prove worthy of this mark'of distinction.' Part of the regiment is in camp an Trmnleton iust now, and LieutenantColonel Smith has. arranged ta have, within the next tm days, a parade _in which all can take part, and at wnicn j the formal announcement will be made. J The Minister of Defence will be present. -General Godley will be run:?Ted in an inspection of camps in the North (Island, with his Excellency the Governor, but it is probable that Colonel Heard will attend.

During tho luncheon adjournment of the Ashburton Coi;pt? Coueeil mretinfS vestcrdav. a- visit of inspection was made to the casus) camp of the Territorials, now being held oil the shew grounds. The members were received by Captain Andrews, who is in command, and a brief inspection was made. Ca»tain Andrews thanked the members of the Council for their visit and cordially invited them to pay another visit after the instructors had had time to put the men through their facings. Tho main object of flip Council's visit was to give public recognition of the good the present system of defence is doing and the manner in which the camps have been conducted.