WHAT THE RESERVE HAS DONE.

Marlborough Express, Volume L, Issue 62, 14 March 1916, Page 3

WHAT THE RESERVE HAS DONE.

ADDRESS BY CSOLONEL PORTER

Colonel Porter, C.8., Commandant of ibe New Zealand National Reserve, delivered an address at Palmerstou North last week upon the past year's doings and the prospects for the future. Tabulated questions were submitted to the Commandant prior to the meeting, to which he publicly replied, after preliminary .remarks upon thfi status of the Reserve xnder the new regulations. He read the following memorandum showing what the National Reserve has done:—(1) Enrolled throughout the Dominion during tho past year's war crisis 30,000 of all ranks." (2) Organised under \oluiiir>ry military conditions, ready to actively serve as militia when called I'.pon. (3) It has had the moral effect of showing to enemies that the man~ liood of the Empire is united to maintain the freedom of nations, and integrity of -ohe British Empire. (4) Shown in every part of the Dominion wherein our units exist a true patriotic spirit, supporting the ?)lefence Department and its soldier Reinforcements by send-offs and receiving, returned soldiers at all times and all hours; also contributing to their comfort by the establishing of soldiers' clubs in several districts. ■ (5) They have actively trained.to fit themselves for service, in such arms as constitute the military units, mounted, nrtiliery, engineers, infantry, medical corps, ammunition, column, army service supply, transport, etc. (6) They have sttongly assisted Territorial officers in roc-rutting for reinforcements, and the roll from the ranks of the Reserve throughout the Dominion is over -1400 of all ranks. *

What the Reserve can do. and is expected further to do: (1) It is now part of the Defence Forces of the Dominion as a voluntary organisa-" tion, the regulations for which have just been gazetted; and the general rules will soon follow. (2) It should continue stilt more efficient training by classifying members under separate roll he.-idings as those for active drilling, transport, or depot work, clerical, and accountancy, i:ea£y to supply d,e- | mauds for filling gaps in defence or j industrial institutions caused by those who have'already gone or going to che fighting line ; by vdluntary' action;! can conscription be avoided (3) To> still more strenuously assist the Defence authorities in recruiting for "the reinforcements; to preparo in each unit a roll of members willing and qualified to assist in all the Territorial ' record offices throughut tho Dominion, the work of which at'the. present crisis is excessively heavy upon the Department. (4) To 'be fit,'ready, and trained to fall in as a reserve line to defend the Dominion as may be directed by the commanders of coast defences should the enemy threaten its shores. {5) Wear the National Reserve Siadgo with credit, making it ever i creditable distinguisliment; chose \vho ca.rviot so ,wear it at this cviv's in the nation's affairs should cease to Lo members.