NORTHERN ADVOCATE DAILY. FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 1931. NEW DEFENCE FORCE

Northern Advocate, 12 June 1931, Page 4

NORTHERN ADVOCATE DAILY.

FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 1931. NEW DEFENCE FORCE

Registered for Transmission Through, the Post as a Newspaper.

The Dominion’s defence system, a subject of much comment during recent months, lias assumed a new form. Tins is a matter to which the people of New Zealand should give careful and sympathetic consideration. They will understand the position better if they recall the history of defence in this country. Away back in the ’eighties of last century there came into existence what were known as “The Volunteers, ’’ descendants of the Militia which played its part during the Maori Wars. The Volunteer system, though possessing weaknesses, from the point of view of the professional soldier, was an admirable institution. Its members, being volunteers, they evinced keenness in their work and pride in the units .to which they belonged. The rank and file elected their own officers, which, of course, did not always ensure the selection of the most efficient soldiers, but nevertheless adoption of the democratic principle i had an effect which was not unsatisfactory. In 1909, however, a Defence Act was passed. This brought into existence a Territorial Force in place of the Volunteers. With the introduction of this force, service in which was made compulsory, the Volunteer units were retained as far as possible. thus perpetuating the valuable traditions established by many of them, and, with the aid of new units, the whole force was organised into handy formations of all arms, uniform alike in dress, training and equipment, and provided with an adequate staff for training and maintenance duties. This organisation assisted very materially in the rapid mobilisation of the Expeditionary Force in 1914, It should not be forgotten that the majority of the officers and non-com-missioned officers who went overseas in 1914 and 1915 gained their experience when serving as Volunteers. After the Great War, the Territorial Force was reorganised to correspond with the divisional organisation adopted by the Expeditionary Force, plus three mounted rifle regiments, but it is this force, retainling alike the traditions of' the old Volunteer units and the [splendid traditions established by the Expeditionary Force units in the Great War which is being maintained today. There is, however, one notable difference. The rank and file are to be enlisted on a voluntary basis, compulsion having been abolished by the present Government. The Territorial Force, which is to be limited to just under 10,000, will consist of men between the ages of 18 and 25. The main purpose will be to train these men to become officers and non-commis-sioned officers so that they may form the backbone of an Expeditionary Force should such ever he required. There is a wide

.field of elioiee open to young'men wishing to enrol in the force, for they may join the mounted rifles, artillery, engineers, signalling corps, infantry, army sendee corps, or field ambulance. The I new scheme is certainly very attractive, and will doubtless make an appeal to healthy young men, who. apart from the social and physical benefits to be delayed from association with the Territorial Force, will be able to fit themselves to defend the Empire should the necessity arise.