SERVICES OFFERED

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23796, 1 May 1939, Page 10

SERVICES OFFERED

DEFENCE OF DOMINION DECISION OF WARTIME ARTILLERYMEN A unanimous decision to offer themselves for service as anti-air-craft gunners or in the coast defence batteries were made by a gathering of about 250 wartime members of the New Zealand Field Artillery at a reunion held in the Pioneer Hall on Saturday night. The following motion, moved by Lieutenant-colonel J. G. Jeffery, was carried:— That this meeting of ex-mem-bers of the New Zealand Field Artillery who went overseas during the Great War offers its services to the Government, preferably as anti-aircraft gunners or in the coast defence batteries, in which they could become efficient with the least amount of training. FOOTBALL CLUB’S EFFORT RALLY TO BF. HELD Towards the end of the present week the Pirates Rugby Football Club will hold a rally to discuss the intention of between 50 and 60 of its members who propose offering themselves for enlistment in the two local artillery units —the 14th and 15th Batteries. Arrangements have been made for Mr N. R. Wilson to address the meeting. ATTITUDE OF LABOUR ASSURANCE OF SUPPORT (Per United Press Association) WELLINGTON, Apl. 29. _ “ This telegram is characteristic of a number of resolutions which I have received, and of the view taken by the Labour movement generally,” said the Prime Minister (Mr Savage) when commenting on the following telegram he had received from Mr W. M. C. Denham, M.P. for Invercargill:— “ I have pleasure, on behalf of the Invercargill Labour Representation Committee, in conveying to you the fcfilowing resolution:—“That the Invercargill Labour Representation Committee, representing 20 affiliated bodies, wishes to assure you of our whole-hearted support and cooperation in any steps you decide to take for the defence and protection of New Zealand. We recognise that you are in close touch with the British and Australian Governments, and we appreciate what you have already done in the military and industrial spheres. We have the utmost confidence in your leadership, and both the men and women of our organisation are ready and willing for any services we are capable of giving.’ ” Mr Savage added that industrial organisations, which hated anything in the nature of military action as much as he did himself, were moving in the matter in various parts of the country. “ They all realise that political institutions are in the melting pot and that the world in changing pretty rapidly,” he said.