THE DEFENCE FORCE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 147683, 31 August 1911, Page 6

THE DEFENCE FORCE.

TERRITORIALS' HAIR. .WHAT IS. THE "PROPER LENGTH.' 1 [BY TELEGRAPH.—SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.] Wellington', Wednesday. The question regarding tho length to which territorials may allow their hair to grow was discussed in tlio House of Representatives this afternoon. Mr. H. J. Greens!ado (Waikato) gave notice of a question, addressed to the Minister for Defence, whether it was compulsory that territorials should . wear their hair of a ""proper length," and whether ho would give a precise definition of "proper length." Mr. E. H. Clark , (Chalmers) asked the Minister to reply at once, as the matter was one of urgency. The .supposed grievance would be good for agitators against compulsory training. Mr. C. H. Poole (Auckland West) said that many people were very sensitive regarding the institution of the compulsory system, and he feared that the development of any element of militarism would cause a "flare up." He urged that instructions should be given to the officers that demands outside the bounds of reason should not be made. Sir Joseph Ward said he had asked for a report on the matter. He did not believe in anything being done in regard to the territorials that, would be derogatory to the individual. General Godley and the officers of tho service were all as fully alive to the importance of carrying out their difficult and delicate duties as any member of the House would desire. There would doubtless occasionally be friction and complaint. 4 ' STATEMENT BY COMMANDANT. fUT TELEGRAPH.— CORRESPONDENT.] Wellington, Wednesday. A Herald representative interviewed Major-General Godley regarding the supposed order this afternoon, and ha 3 his authority for saying that no such order had been given and no such order will be given! Moreover, the General entirely disapproves of such an interference, and adds that in a citizen army there is not the slightest reason why a man should not wear his hair in any way he pleases. PROMOTION FROM THE RANKS.

WHAT ARE THE OPPORTUNITIES? [BY telegraph.—SPEClAL CORRESPONDENT.]

Wellington, Wednesday.

During an informal discussion on defence matters in tho House of Representatives this afternoon, Mr. F. M. B. Fisher (Wellington Central) asked whether an opportunity would bo given for a discussion of the defence regulations. He said that a belief existed among the territorials that under the new system men in the ranks would bo denied the opportunities for promotion which they were given under the volunteer system. During the discussion of the Bill the House had passed a resolution that every man in the force should bo given an opportunity to win promotion to the ranks of officers in the territorial force.

The Minister for Defence (Sir Joseph Ward) said he would have to obtain information before he could answer the question, and at his suggestion Mr. Fisher gave notice of a question regarding the matters discussed. * ■ :

A CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTOR. GOING TO BRITISH COLUMBIA. : [BY telegraphy-own correspondent.] Christchurch, Wednesday. Last night the Cambrian Society gave a farewell social* to Mr. and Mrs. D. W. Jones and family, who are leaving for British Columbia. Mr. Jones said lie was sorry ho had to go, but the compulsory provisions of the Defence Act forced him to take that step as they invaded tho sanctity of tho home, interfered with personal liberty, and made no relief for conscientious objectors to military service.

USE OF THE SCHOOLS.

GRANTED BY AUCKLAND BOARD.

In pursuance of the territorial training scheme the Defence Department is seeking assistance is as many quarters as possible, and it has recently circularised boards of education with a request for the use of school buildings for the training of the military. The cost of lighting and cleaning would be paid by the Department. Such a request was received by the Auckland Board of Education yesterday morning. Mr. D. H. McKenzie moved that the permission should bo granted. The chairman (Mr. G. J. Garlr.r d) said the matter was one of great public importance, and the Board should express itself in no uncertain way. To give military training and discipline to the youth of the Dominion was one of ;■ the finest things that could happen to them. There would probably be a kick from some of the committees, but the Board could give authority for the. use of the schools so long as the course of teaching was -not interfered with. Seeing that the schools belonged to the people, their use for such a purpose was quite justifiable. • The secretary of the Board suggested that if the blackboards and maps were used for the instruction of territorials it would be impossible to hold the teachers responsible for their condition, but. Mr. Farmer said that teachers could report any damage done overnight. Mr. Murray said credit was duo to the young men who were being trained to defend their country, and every help should bo extended to them. The motion was carricd.

REFUSED IN CHRISTCHURCH. [BY {TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Christciturch, Wednesday. The Education Board this morning had before it an application from MajorGeneral Godley for the use of schools in the back blocks in connection with military training. The Board decided to refuse the application on the ground that damage would likely result to school furniture and premises. _ A motion that .each application be considered on its merits was lost.

MEDICAL INSPECTION.

NEARLY COMPLETED.

The • medical inspection of the men 'eligible to serve under the new system of universal training is now nearing completion. Notices have been sent out to those who absented themselves when called on -previously to attend at the Auckland Drill Hall for the physical test. The officers expect to complete the examination in the . course of a few days. The posting of men already serving in the territorials has been commenced, and this will be followed by the posting of the greater body of men who have recently registered and -* been examined.

Considerable difficulty is being experienced in Masterton at the present time in obtaining suitable houses. One agent informed. a Wairarapa Daily Times reporter that it was impossible to obtain up-to-date house of from ifive to six rooms. For one house he had let within the past week he had had 20 application