Mock Warfare In Northland

Northern Advocate, 15 May 1939, Page 4

Mock Warfare In Northland

THE tactical exercises carried out in the last few days in connection with the military camp at Kensington Park are of great interest, and also of much value. As a result of them, the public is enabled to see the great importance of mechcanical transport in modern conditions of service. The exercise completed during the week-end, when a motorised unit consisting of 148 officers and men arrived at Kensington Park, after having, in theory, fought their _ way through enemy country, shows the importance of mobility, and emphasises how rapid and skilful disposition of troops, with the aid of motor vehicles, may enable a difficult operation to be efficiently performed. - These exercises show how important it is, for defensive purposes, for the country to be well roaded. Northland has a particular interest in this, for military men agree that any raid or invasion would almost certainly be directed against the northern part of the Dominion. In order that such a road could be contested when the attackers were in positions of the greatest disadvantage—that is, when actually in the act of landing—it is vital that there should be good road access to the threatened points. Fortunately there is evidence that the authorities are aware of this need, and recent road works in the Far North make the coastline considerably less vulnerable. Finally, a word of praise is due to the officers and men participating in the strenuous mock warfare now being carried out. It is no picnic, as anyone who has had experience of it can testify, and it is a fine tribute to the spirit of these young New Zealanders that they should voluntarily be undergoing this arduous training in order to be fit and ready if the country should need them.