TERRITORIAL PARADES

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 11252, 3 July 1922, Page 8

TERRITORIAL PARADES

NEW SCHEME SUCCESTED DEFENCE OFFICER MEETS OTAKI RESIDENTS. DISCUSSION BY BUSINESS MEN. (Special to “N.Z. Times.”) A meeting of business men of Otaki was held on Wednesday night to discuss a scheme as laid down by Captain Mead relative to an alteration in territorial and cadet training. Mr F. G. Davies presided. Captain Mead said he' had been all round the district, and the scheme as suggested by him to do away with fortnightly parades and have an annual gathering had received favourable support. He pointed out that owing to the financial stress of the country the department liad been obliged to considerably curtail grants, while the number of officers had been greatly reduced. Even non', he said, theTe was a possibility of a further cut. After stating that splendid material was available in the country, and maintaining that the country distriete should participate in any benefits coming from the Treasury, Captain Mead said that instead of fortnightly parades training would be consolidated to seven consecutive days, and thus doing t-he whole training for the year. The lads would be able to live at their homes, get better benefits from' training, while much money would be saved, neither would the trainee need to incur any extra expense. The scheme, if put into effect, would save 60 per cent, of travelling expenses. Employers would also reap the advantage, where two were employed, by allowing one of the staff .to attend parade at one: time of the year and the other at a later period. Employers could often spare one lad but not ,two. He was anxious to obviate inconvenience and trouble that might be caused both employers and trainees. Tlie Levin Chamber of Commerce and other local bodies had agreed to give the soheme every support, while leading firms were also assisting. All he desired was the backing of the general public. If this was forthcoming success was assured. Mr Walls considered the scheme a good one. He pointed out that at present lads were dissatisfied with fortnightly parades, and stated it was a fact that the roll only was called on some occasions and no drill indulged in. He considered yearly drills would be a fine thing, and’ maintained by such tlie boys would get something to their advantage. Mr Cockrell considered the department was to he congratulated on the scheme, and maintained it would he a vast improvement on the old one. Training for seven days would be a great advantage, and he considered the hoys would show more interest. Ho had pleasure in supporting the scheme. Mr Olliver also spoke on similar lines, although, he thought the fortnightly drills would keep the lads in closer touch with their instructors.

Mr H. Taylor agreed with previous speakers, and thought the scheme one of the best in the interests of employers. Mr O. Kelshy agreed, while Mr J. S. Pole said it seemed feasible that the hoys would benefit more by a week’s training than by fortnightly parades. Mr Davies endorsed the remarks of previous speakers, and suggested the soheme be approved of. On Mr Oookrell’s motion, it was decided to approve of the scheme, and that the date of training he some time before the middle of August.—Seconded by Mr Wattts.

In' answer to Mr Cockrell, Captain Mead said there would ‘be a musketry course. The former said in that case it would be necessary to secure a more suitable place'than before; on the old site bullets passed uncomfortably near various places. He suggested that a place on Mr Blairs be secured. Captain Mead promised to give tht matter attention.