TERRITORIAL FORCE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20965, 31 August 1931, Page 11

TERRITORIAL FORCE.

APPEAL TO THE PUBLIC. ASSOCIATION TO BE FORMED. In order to stimulate public interest in the work of the territorial movement it

has been decided to form a Territorial Force Association in Auckland* with a civilian executive, to organise the social side of military life.

The new association, which has the support of Colonel J. E. Duigan, officer commanding the Northern Command, will be modelled on British county and territorial lines. It will aim at bringing all units up to full establishment by encouraging recruiting and providing activities of a social nature. It will also endeavour to obtain the co-operation of employers of territorials and the public generally in maintaining the well-being of the defence system. No part will be taken in political matters and in the controversy regarding the compulsory or voluntary methods of recruiting. It is proposed that the president of the new bodv will be the Mayor of Auckland, Mr. G. W. Hutchison, while the Mayors and chairmen of the various local bodies in the Auckland Province will act as vice-presidents. Mr. Hutchison has promised to call a public meeting at an early date, when officers will be elected and committees formed. Membership will be open to both men and women residents at a suggested annual subscription of 2s 6d. Eventually, it is hoped, the movement will extend throughout the Dominion, each unit, which will have its own 6ub-assocjation,' sending delegate? to a parent body.