TERRITORIAL DANCE

Lake Wakatip Mail, Issue 4431, 29 August 1939, Page 2

TERRITORIAL DANCE

A MILITARY NIGHT. SATISFACTORY ENLISTMENT OF RECRUITS. The dance promoted by the local Territorial Association, and which was held in the Garrison Hall on Friday evening, proved a great success and particularly in respect of the enlistment of recruits in. local territorial unit and national military reserve. Character was given the dance by .the appearance of a large number of local territorials -who were i<i cmarge of Lieut W. Stewart. Major T. Mackenzie and -Sergt. Seal, representing the Area Officer, Invercargill, were also present in the interests of recruiting. Earlv in the evening HE Worship the Mavor (Dr. W. A. Anderson) in a short address, told those present of the recent formation of a Territorial Association in Queenstown. The dance being held was the first_ function arransred by the Association. They .had asked the Territorials to attend in uniform in order that they mav honour the men who had signified their willingness to give up part of their time in the service of the country: also to prove an example to others to do likewise. They were honoured by the attendance of returned soldiers wearing their medals. The Mayor then reminded the young men present of the appeal of the Prime Minister for recruits for the Territorial and National Reserve. The seriousness of the European situation at the present time demanded the immediate enlistment in the Territorial Force of all men between the age of 18 and 35. He hoped that the full complement of recruits to make up the local unit would be forthcoming and thus uphold the honour of Queenstown. Sergt. Seal, in his remarks, spoke or the appeal of the Minister of Defence for a further call to thosje, men between the ages of 18 and 35v Though the authorised enlistment of 16,000 had been reached thev yill take an unlimited number of recruits who are physically and mentally fit. Only those who were prepared to serve three years > need aeply The tr%inins was confined do 20 davs annual and week-end camps, courses of instruction and special instruction at Burnham. The sergeant then detailed the pay and allowances which, were on a liberal scale. In conclusion the sergeant said “Those who are prepared to join should do bo now and get on with the job right away." Employers were asked to facilitate the release of mem for the necessary training

The dance was called off Later in the evening in order to form up* the Territorials and members' of the Nattional Military Reserve. Major P. Mackenzie then addressed a few remarks to all present on the serious swing of the European situation. He said that they in New Zealand could take no risks in the face of the imminence of war. Every young man should realise this* and hasten to offer his services to the country. Britain would have plentv to occuny herself in keeping the seas clear in event of war. was otherwise engaged. The Territorials and Reservists then marched round the hall several times headed by an improvised pipe band. The demonstration had a good effect for some !3 young men. amid acclamation, signed up and there were promises of more recruits. Several others enlisted in the National Reserve. All in the ranks were presented with appropriate ribbons* by the Mayoress, Mrs Anderson. After another interval of dancing sumier was handed round by the ladies and territorials*. The remainder of the evening was devoted to dancing and items, the latter being ■'local Jiiimlipi's bv Mrs. Haiir and Mr J as. McDonald. Miss D. Harris gave a tap-dance, and a party of dancers in .costume gave a vaudeviPe turn. Considerable amusement was caused by the appearance. In character, of “The Twelve Bachelors/’ looking .for wives. A movie man. the “Parson" and the presentation of wives* (in biscuit form) to the “Twelve" added much hilarity to a popular turn. The music for the dance was* given !>'• a local orchestra and proved popular.

It is interesting jo state that some 23 ladies gave their name® in for instruction in first aid.