MILITARY TRAINING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21328, 1 November 1932, Page 7

MILITARY TRAINING

HELPING NEW UNITS TERRITORIAL ASSOCIATION YEAR'S WORK REVIEWED "Steady progress has been made during the initial year of the association," stated tho. executive's report, presented at tiio first annual meeting of the New Zealand Territorial Association, Northern Command. held last evening. Mr. M. Stewart, chairman of the general executive, presided. During t.tl'is year 52 ordinary members and five life members joined the association in the metropolitan area, while in tho country districts. 175 ordinary members were enrolled, the report added. Tho finances had been satisfactory. Subscriptions had amounted to £25, donations to £43, ball and social account to £37' and capitation from country branches to £3 10s. Almost the whole amount had been spent for the direct benefit of members of the territorial forces, either in the form of grants to regiments or in providing material for sports activities and the general entertainment; of the men." The work, however, could be extended with great benefit and with this end in view an application had been made for permission to hold an art union. Ten branches of tho association had been formed in various country centres, and these were obtaining excellent results in assisting tho units in their districts and also in obtaining prizes and i::i recruiting. During tho year, tho report added, tho association had been able to help in some manner every unit in the command. A clubroom had been furnished at the Drill Hair and facilities for various games provided. The association had in some cases approached employers and arranged for the necessary leave for trainees to attend camps. In the case of one unit some extra days had been spent in Qamp through the financial aid of the association. Colonel N. L. Mackay drew attention to the need for active recruiting during the coming year. lie suggested that tho co-operation of employers should be secured not only in granting leave to trainees tci attend camp, but also in giving their moral assistance in recruiting. The permanent staff's appreciation of the work being carried out by the association was expressed by Major R. Miles. One of the greatest problems was to maintain the interest in evening drills, and in this respect the association was doing invaluable work. The gift of a silver cup, to be known as the Major John Whitney Memorial Cup, for annual open competition under service conditions, from Mr. C. A. Whit- . ney, was recorded. Rifleman I. C. Spry had won the trophy for the first time at Saturday's meeting. All the retiring officers were re-elected. Mr. J. M. Elliffe was added as honorary auditor, and Mr. F. L. G. West as honorary solicitor. Mr. C. A. Whitney and i Mr. Hallyburton Johnstone were elected | life members.