Reservists Enrol

Manawatu Times, Volume 65, Issue 270, 2 November 1940, Page 8

Reservists Enrol

SPECIAL RIFLE COMPANY IN CITY The proposal to form a special rifle company in Palmerston North was re- . sponded to by over 200 Class II Reservists who paraded at the Drill Hall on Thursday evening. The majority consisted of returned soldiers, and under ’ tScrgeant-Major Pierard they quickly fell in to hear details of the new unit explained to them. Major Lindsay Gardner, officer commanding Class II of tho National Reserve in Palmerston North, was in command of the parade. Describing the organisation, Major S. H. Gould, area staff officer, stated that the special company, 133 strong, would be uniformed and equipped and would contain six officers and tne usual number of n.c.o. ’s. A temporary staff officer would organise and train the unit. He would nave a company-ser-geaut-major and quartermaster associated with him. lhe syllaous provided for 240 hours’ training per year, and this would be undertaken by means of evening, half-day and week-end parades. r nose who were rejected on medical grounds would be round joos in tho uonie Guard. It was suggested that the limit- of distance for reservists from tne training centre be fixed at ten miles. Major Gould’s remarks were supplemented cy Lieutenant D. W. Curnam, M.C., of Wanganui, where a similar company has Deed functioning successruliy for some time, in that centre, he said, the reservists started with one evening weekJy, four iSunuay parades and one Sunday oti, and sueu good progress had oeen made that it was now possiDle to relax training slightly over tne eomiDg Holiday x*enoa. f’here had been a splendid response, and a large numoer oi men were greatly disappointed taat there wa3 no rbom for tfiem in the unit. Lieut. Curham stated that a rifle, oandolier, greatcoat and ooots were part of the equipment. Later it was noped to be issueu with Lewis guns and old Maxim guns. N.c.o.’s were required to put in exrra time, prooaoly an exiira night a week and oaturday aiternoon, m addition to the ordinary programme, ne emphasised that as xar as training was concerned it was necessary for reservists, no matter what t'ncir previous experience was, to start at the beginning, and in the long run tney appreciated such a course. Payment would be on tho oasis of 7s a day lor a six-hour day, plus travelling allowance of 14d#i mile up to six miles. After the addresses 54 of those present handed in their names and will undergo a medical examination I next Wednesday. It was explained, that many Others present had to make inquiries regarding domestic, business and other obligations before they could be of tneir ability to fulfil requirements as members of the special company.