OFFICERS NEEDED

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23277, 21 February 1939, Page 11

OFFICERS NEEDED

ENGINEER UNITS APPEAL TO PROFESSION YOUNG QUALIFIED MEN PRESENT LACK CRITICISED The failure of younger members of the engineering profession to support the work of the field companies of the Dominion's territorial army was criticised by Major C. H. Beach, of Wellington, officer commanding the Second Field Company, Corps of New Zealand Engineers, in a letter read at the annual conference of the Now Zealand Institution of Engineers yesterday. He said he considered that the state of affairs reflected upon the good name of the profession. ;; . The position had recently been brought home more forcibly as the result of his unsuccessful attempts to procure suitable young men to fill the vacancies for officers of the Wellington unit, said Major Beach. Peace establishment provided for sis officers to a field company, whereas the Wellington unit at present had only four, three of whom had held commissions for 11 years or more. Not one man had come through the ranks to take a commission sines the voluntary system was introduced seven years ago. Position During Great War

"Many engineers have resented the fact that in the Great War important posts were held in the field companies by men who were not engineers in civil life," Major Beach added. "In the event of the country being again forced to mobilise, it appears that the same position might develop, but in this case the profession would only have itself to blame. Our profession cannot sit back doing practically nothing in peace time and then come forward in time of war and expect to take the plums." Mr. W. A. Gray (Auckland), said it was possible that the Auckland company was in a slightly better position than the Wellington unit, but at the same time there should not be difficulty in obtaining qualified men for service,, Unfortunately the age for territorial work was also the age for examinations, and it was a big effort for a young man to work at his profession in the daytime, study at night and take on additional obligations such as military" training. If the position were brought before heads of departments and other executive officers they might be able to assist in such a manner that the younger men could join the units without their lives becoming slavery. Value of Training The value of the training received in the field companies from a professional standpoint was pointed out by Mr. E. F. Scott (Christchurch). He said he regarded the work as most useful and profitable. "The idea that there are difficulties and that the' training interferes with a voung engineer's work is all bunk," said Mr. ft. W. Furkert (Wellington). "If they only knew the fun they would get out of it they would not hesitate. They are standing in their own light and losing opportunities to broaden their minds and their knowledge."

Support Urged On the motion of Mr. Gray, a resolution was carried urging support of the territorial units and recommending Benior members of the profession to facilitate and encourage young qualified engineers to join the engineer companies with a view to their qualifying for commissioned rank. It was also decided to inform branches of the institution' that, in the opinion of the conference, it was their duty to ensure that the military units were fully manned with efficient officers. .v~ DEFENCE REQUIREMENTS INSTITUTION'S CO-OPE&ATION An assurance of full co-operation with the authorities in meeting the defence requirements of the Dominion was contained in a unanimous resolution carried at the annual conference of the New Zealand Institution of Engineers yesterday. It was considered that members of the profession were particularly fitted for meeting the problems associated with civil organisation. "One of the first objectives of attack in modern times is civil disorganisation and, consequently, one of the main aims in defence should, be civil organisation," stated Mr. W. A. Gray (AuQkland). "The work could be best performed by trained members of the institution, who have been responsible for the construction and maintenance of public utilities of all descriptions:" „ .» Mr. R.- P. Worley (Auckland) suggested that the institution might Jgo further and follow the Australian scheme of making a survey of the profession from a defence. standpoint. After a protracted discussion, two resolutions were unanimously adopted. One stated that members pledged themselves to give their fullest cooperation and assistance in the defence of the country, while the other recommended branches "of, the institution to set up committees to study problems connected with the civil organisation for defence and to cooperate with other authorities working to this end. It was also recommended that the council should form a committee to co-ordinate the work performed by the branch organisations.