NATIONAL RESERVE.

Manawatu Times, Volume LXV, Issue 1811, 31 December 1912, Page 5

NATIONAL RESERVE.

NEW MILITARY FORCE

STATEMENT BY MINISTER.

(Press Association.—By Telegraph, Christehurch, Last Night.

A general desire having been expressed throughout the Dominion, particularly on the part of ex-volun-teers for the formation of a national reserve, Lieut-Col. the Hon. R. Heaton Rhodes, Acting-Minister of Defence, announces that the formation of such a reserve has been approved by the Government. The reserve will consist of all men who are not members of the territorial forces or the territorial forces reserve, or on the active list of rifle clubs.

There will be 110 limit in regard to age and no conditions, except those already stated in respect of membership. It will be partly voluntary and will receive no financial assistance from the Government except official recognition. It's organisation will be by military districts and senior retired officers will be asked to undertake each, entirely independent of the military authorities.

The object of the national reserve in the British Isles is to form a register of those who have served in any of the military or naval forces of the Crown and being under no obligation for further service are willing to come up for service if called on in event of a national emergency. Two classes of duties are set forth. In one class on national emergency members must join a combatant unit for service in the field to carry out combat duty in garrisons or other fixed positions or perform administrative work. In the second class the members, having shown their willingness to come up for service once more if called upon, can do much in times of peace to bring home to the youth of the nation the fact that every man owes a duty to his country, a duty of personal service and as members will be expected to assist in organising and training recognised cadet units. As it is not proposed that the members of the National Reserve shall wear uniform in their capacity as members of the reserve a badge will serve as a pass to local social entertainments both of a civil and a military character and it may be worn by members at any time, but always on the King's birthday and similar occasions. In no case will ribands be worn with these badges, and they will not be worn in uniform. Local authorities are asked to give the National Reserve a privileged position in the public life of the country. Its members will be officially recognised on national ceremonial occasions and all occasions and all local military functions.