AID TO RECRUITING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20978, 15 September 1931, Page 10

AID TO RECRUITING.

TERRITORIAL ASSOCIATION. FORMATION IN AUCKLAND. AN ENCOURAGING BEGINNING. About 200 people, many of them delegates from interested organisations, attended a meeting at the Kitchener Hall last evening, when the Auckland Territorial Force Association was formed to assist recruiting and help in the smooth running of the new Defence system. A representative committee was formed and it was decided to ask Sir James Gunson to be its first chairman. Among those present were several ladies. In moving that the association be formed, the Mayor, Mr. G. W. Hutchison, who presided, said the change-over from compulsory military training to a system of voluntary training made the formation of some such organisation, based on the lines of the British county and .territorial associations, essential. The association would be non-political in character and was intended to help the situation as they found it. It was important in the civic sense, because it was necessary to find some effective substitute for the physical training and the lessons o:F discipline which the abandonment of the compulsory system had largely put aside. Mr. Hutchison insisted that there was no inconsistency in fostering military efficiency and advocating universal disarmament, because until such time as disarmament was actually universal it was essential that the national defences should be maintained at a high pitch of efficiency. He was pleased to see the ladies present, as their encouragement was needed to obtain the full support of the young men.. Support of Citizens. " The formation of this association will mark a new era in the lives of the young men of this city," said Mr. I. J. Goldstine, Mayor of One Tree Hill and president of the Auckland Local Bodies' Association, who seconded the motion. He congratulated the sponsors of the movement on their initiative and enthusiasm and said there was no intention of the new body entering into competition with sports associations already in existence. Colonel J. E. Duigan, D.5.0., officer commanding the Northern Command, said that without the support of the citizens the volunteer force could not attain proper efficiency. He appealed to employers to show their approval of the movement by granting facilities for the trainees to attend parades, field days and oinps. Of all people, ex-servicemen loathed war, said Mr. R. W. Wise, representing the Auckland Returned Soldiers' Association. They had had quite enough war, but they realised the time might come when there would be another war, and this country would bo committing suicide to allow itself to be unprotected. Value of Traising. Mr- E. G. Eraser, president of the South African War Veterans' Association, said that while no one wished to see,war, New Zealand deserved protection of some kind. " The saying that ' a strong man armed keepeth his goods in peace ' still holds good to-day," he added. Mrs. E. Webster, honorary secretary of the Auckland Ex-Servicewomen's Association, said no one wanted war. Discipline and drill, however, must have a tremendous influence on the men of the land in later life. At the social functions which would be arranged the women could be of great help. Mr. M. K. Draffin spoke on behalf of the Officers' Club and Mr. Norman Kerr on behalf of the Legion of Frontiersmen. Among those on the platform were Mr. J. H. Langley, representing the Mount Albert Borough Council, and Mr. F. A. Macdonald, secretary pro. tem. The motion was carried amid applause.