AID IF NEEDED

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23356, 26 May 1939, Page 14

AID IF NEEDED

ALL MAY OFFER FREEDOM TO WITHDRAW OBLIGATIONS OF FIRST 5000 [RV TELEGRAPH— OWN CORRKSPONDKNT] WELLINGTON, Thursday "There is no limit whatever to tho number of men who may offer their services in the National Military Re- | serve," said. Major-General J. E. Duigan, Chief of General Staff, to-day. "Their offer involves an honourable undertaking to serve if the need arises. Their allotment of duty will be based 011 their qualifications, their dependants, their previous military service and their trade or other specialist training. "If a man feels he cannot undertake the duty to which he has been allotted, he is perfectly free either to ask for a change or to withdraw his offer of service. Except for tho 5000 specially chosen for some training in peace, the remainder of the reserve will not. be allotted to specific tasks before an emergency. Wo require, however, 5000 men who are prepared to undertako either of two duties in peace. "Firstly, we need men to be organised as reserve units for specific duties in certain areas. They are required mainly for the defence of ports. These reserve units will undertake a certain amount of refresher training as soon as they are organised. It will probably consist of night or week-end parades. It will not interfere in any way with their normal vocations and will bo limited to definite duties for which they are required, "Secondly, a number of men are needed, preferably those with experience as officers and non-commissioned officers, or as specialists such as gun layers and rangefinders. They will be specially selected and asked to attend aii annual refresher course, which may take the form of a six-days' courso at one of the district schools or other appropriate training centre. These men will be required on mobilisation to fill key positions as specialist instructors in their particular subject, or for special administrative appointments." AUCKLAND OFFERS DISTRIBUTION OF CARDS WAR VETERANS' RESPONSE ENROLMENTS STILL GROWING About 100 enrolments to the National Military Reserve were lodged at the chief post office yesterday and large numbers of cards were distributed. Indications from the growing response are that the Auckland contribution will be very heavy. Enrolments are in three categories. Those by war veterans so far are five times the number of those in Class 1., men from 20 to 35 years inclusive who have served during peace-time for not less than two years in the New Zealand Territorials or any other Empire force. The heaviest enrolments are in Class 11., intended to augment fortress troops at main ports, provide garrisons at secondary ports, protect vital points, to fill administrative and training appointments 011 mobilisation and to provide a reserve to Class I. "COLONELS OF TO-MORROW" APPEAL TO - WOMENFOLK [BY TELEGRAPH —OWN CORRESPONDENT] WELLINGTON. Thursday "Every man who volunteers as a territorial now, and trains now, is doing more to 'build a nation', than any All Black," said Major-General J. E. Duigan, Chief of General Staff, today, in support of the appeal for 6000 territorial recruits. "In our democratic army the best recruit of to-day will be —not may be—the colonel of tomorrow, responsible in war for the. lives and welfare of 600 fellow citizens, j "May J add a message to the young 1 women of New Zealand? You know what a tremendous influence you exert, in the matter of personal service for home defence encourage your brothers, or, better still, your sweethearts, to join up. Take an interest in their training and their welfare. You can be proud of them. If war does come you may be vitally concerned. You can all help if you will. 1 appeal for your co-operation." FARMERS' UNION VIEW SUPPORT FOR GOVERNMENT [bv TELEGRAPH—Pit ESS ASSOCIATION ] WELLINGTON, Thursday At a Dominion executive meeting of the New Zealand Farmers' Union the Hon. F. Waite, M.L.C., said the union should get behind the Government in its effort to provide an efficient defence force. The Farmers' Union had always advocated efficient defence by sea, land and air. This was an attempt to get men for the land forces. Mr. Waite moved that the union support the Prime Minister in his appeal for men to enlist in the Territorial Force and train for the defence of New Zealand. The resolution was seconded by Mr. G. C. Warren (Canterbury) and carried unanimously. WOMEN'S FIRST-AID GLASS OVER 90 ENROLMENTS Over 90 women enrolled for instruc- . tion in first-aid from the St. John Ambulance at a mooting of tho Air Raid Precautions Women's Auxiliary held at the Y.W.C.A. last night. Tho first class will be held next Thursday.