ARMY STRENGTH

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21782, 23 April 1934, Page 11

ARMY STRENGTH

TERRITORIAL FORCES NORTH AUCKLAND AREA NEED FOR MORE MEN [from our own correspondent] WHANGAREI, Saturday The ninth annual reunion and dinner of the Empire Ex-Service Association of Whangarei was held last evening. There was an attendance of about 200. The president, }tr. J. M. McCarroll, presided, and the principal guest of tl*e evening was Colonel J. E. Duigan, officer commanding the Northern Command.

In responding to the toast of the "Guests of the Evening,'! Colonel Duigan expressed pleasure at such a large and representative gathering, representatives of almost all units of the Army in the Empire being present. He traced the history of tlie British Army since the war, and stated that, as in the past, England to-day stood for the integrity of the smaller states. He referred to the nations which were manufacturing goods at much loss cost than was possible within the Empire, and these goods were being sold within the Empire at very low prices. "This condition." said Colonel Duigan, "makes possible troubles between the nations concerned." Among the causes of war in the past, he said, were racial aggression and economic difficulties, and these existed to-day in a degree which gave our statesmen serious concern.

"Our Navy is much smaller to-day than during the war, and I think we have been told to put our own house in order. Nations that are overcrowded seek expansion, causing concern to Australia and New Zealand. We must do our utmost to hold our own lands. Colonel Duigan mentioned that almost all regiments in Auckland were over strength, with a waiting list. The North Auckland Regiment was below strength. Dargaville, he stated, was the best recruiting area in North Auckland, and was producing more recruits per 1000 of population than any other district in the North. "A territorial army is a citizen army," said Colonel Duigan, ' and we must have the assistance and support of the public, otherwise it cannot be successful. We want your assistance, and I want your assistance. The men we are getting are excellent men, and very keen. Many of our mounted men are splendid, and we are proud of them." Mr. W. Jones, Mayor of Whangarei, in proposing the toast of the "Empire Ex-Service Association," paid a high tribute to the working of the association in the district. He emphasised that the various local bodies in the district were most united in their efforts to assist returned soldiers.

"I believe," said Mr. Jones, "that the times are clearing in the Old Land and the prosperity coming to England will soon be reflected in this Dominion "

In responding, Mr. Seddon Hill mentioned the need for a still greater membership. He emphasised the for all ex-servicemen rallying round _ the association, as each year the position became more difficult. Men who_ appeared in good health when demobilised had since developed diseases and injuries, making the position very difficult.