MILITARY TRAINING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21297, 26 September 1932, Page 11

MILITARY TRAINING

POPULARITY OF SYSTEM STEADY FLOW' OF RECRUITS KEEN OFFICERS AND MEN The keen interest taken in voluntary military training has been reflected in recent months, in a steady flow of recruits. In August the strength of the forces in the Auckland prpvincp was increased by 146, "making a total of 2139 in the command. Much strenuous work has been done by the military authorities and Territorial Association to add to the efficiency and interest attaching to military training, and the results achieved are considered encouraging.

A departure that has improved*the administration and recruiting prospects of the Ist Battalion, Auckland Regiment, is the reorganisation of the military districts. Manukau and Franklin Counties, formerly ill the No 4 district (Hamilton), have been absorbed into the No. 1 district (Auckland), so that the Ist Battalion Auckland Regiment will now recruit as far south as Mercer. The schools in the newly-added area, including St. Stephen's School and Wesley College, will now be under the jurisdiction of the officer of IB area, Lieutenant C. Shuttleworth. Successful Training Course Much benefit has been derived by the Auckland Grammar School Cadets as a result of the barracks for non-commis-sioned officer? held recently at Narrow Neck. The keenness of the lads, enhanced by the novel experience of a riding school and aeroplane co-operation, was reflected in the highly successful results of the training. Excellent marksmanship was shown by the boys with both rifles and machine-guns. A barracks is to be held at Bombay from October 17 to 21 by the boys of St. Stephen's School. The dates and places of the annual camps for all units are being finalised and should be known shortly. The popularity of camps, as of training generally, is ensured in an immeasurable degree by the keenness of the officers of the permanent force in keeping abreast of the latest developments in military practice overseas. A comprehensive system of information enables very close contact to be maintained with the progress of military methods in Britain, so that the latest departures are applied to training in New Zealand with no loss of time. The modern note thus maintained enhances both the value and interest attaching to the training given. Examinations of Officers A great deal of work was involved in preparing and coaching for the September examinations of territorial officers. A total of 83 candidates sat for these examinations, 40 seeking their first commission and 43 promotion. In many cases the examination entailed a two days' test in the field, conducted by officers of the permanent force, and a theoretical examination, lasting from two to three days, on a paper set at Wellington. It has been the practice in the past for senior officers, such as commanding afficers of battalions and artillery brigades, ,to hold a week's refresher course. Owing to the financial strigency, the course has been dispensed with this J'ear, eo a new scheme, to commence immediately, has been initiated. There will be a tactical exercise on maps, a study of modern developments abroad, on the lines of that laid down for the regular forces in Britain, and a week-end exercise in the field. An annual refresher course for the Royal New Zealand Artillery is at present being held at Trent ham, and two officers and 17 other ranks from the Northern Command are participating. This will conclude at the end of the week. Great success has attended the efforts of the Territorial Association to stimulate interest in the voluntary system of training. The entertainment committee of this organisation has done good work since its inception, and is now organising a military ball, to be held at the Peter Pan Cabaret on October 11. This is the third ball organised by the committee.