FOR HOME DEFENCE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 10060, 3 May 1915, Page 3

FOR HOME DEFENCE.

RAI LWAYMEN'S RESERVE. There was a large attendance of local railway men in the Railway Hall yesterday to consider the formation of a branch of the railway sections of the National Reserve. There were ako preent:—Messrs E. A. Dawson (Officers' Institute), W. Wiles (Engine Drivers' Union), and (J. T. O'Lauehlin (Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants). These, delegates were sent bv the exocutive of the railway section of the National Reserve, with the approval of the General Manager of Railways, Mr E. N. Ililey. They have addressed 19 meetings, at which 1349 men have attended. Mr Dawson said their mission was to furnish the meeting with all information in regard to the National Reserve, and he hoped that with their assistance they would be able to form a branch of the National Reserve in New Zealand. Mr Wiles referred to the time when 'German cruisers had been reported off the coast of Now Zealand. Supposing that these cruisers had had on board a largo force of troops and had landed them on the shores of New Zealand. Such facts and possibilities had caused citizens in the different centres to consider the question of forming a National Reserve. This reserve had been formed and had done good work. Then came the question of the railwavmen forming a section of the National Reserve, so that if over our shores were invaded they would be fitted to defend, as well as capably handling the transports. The Manager of Railways was approached, and was thoroughly in accvord with the idea. A meeting of representatives carefully examined every phase of the question, and came to the! conclusion that the formation of a section of National Reserve Was desirable. Dealing with various points, he said the. movement was entirely voluntary, the officers would be elected by ballot and every member would have a voice in the appointment of instructors. The movement was in the interests of the men and the railway service, and the men _ would have the satisfaction of knowing that they were prepared to protect their wives and children, their homes, and New Zealand should our country ever be invaded. Mr Da Wvson said the Government had promised to giant freo passes to members of the reserve wished to attend various shooting or military competitions which might be held throughout New Zealand. They proposed to ask for a £IOO shield to be shot for by various branches of the reserve in New Zealand, and he thought they would get it. The only expense the men would incur would be the purchase of the National Reserve badge (2s) and the annual subscription (3s 6d). Mr O'Lauehlin dealt with the St. John Ambulance work and the social side of the movement. He hoped that the movement would be one sten in the creating of good fellowship amongst the men. Forty-one of those present handed in their names as members. As only 2o were required to form a branch, Mr A. Allsop moved, and Mr A. E. Douglas seconded, that a branch of the reserve be formed in Palmerston. The resolution was carried unanimously. Subsequently Mr J. Lucas was elected chairman and Mr W. J. White secretary of the branch. The following committer; .was appointed :—Messrs Christie. Smith, 'Le Grange. Cornish. P. 1). Clark, O'Donnell, Allsop. and McNicoll. A very hearty vote of thanks to the delegate* was then passed,