TERRITORIAL UNIT

Opunake Times, 10 February 1939, Page 3

TERRITORIAL UNIT

REVIVAL OF INTEREST DEFENCE LEAGUE AIM

Little time lms been lost by the Opunake branch of the. .New Zealand Defence League m makingl a practical application ui its objects. After the decision to form a branch in Opunake had been approved at a meeting called for the purpose on Wednesday, those present resolved that active steps be taken towards the establishment of a territorial unit in Opunake. His Worship the Mayor, Mr. A. J. Brehnan, presided over a small attendance, several apologies for absence being received. After explaining the objects of the league, he invited comment on the proposal to I'orm a branch in Opunake, suggesting that, In view of the small attendance, if would be advisable to call a further meeting before this, stew was taken.

Dr. W. Watt, however, supported the proposal, and moved that the branch be formed, the motion beinjr adopted. Knrolmeut of members will be undertaken by the foundation membtrs, and a general meeting will be held on Wednesday next, February 15. for the purpose of idee ting officers. The position of territorial training was discussed by the branch with Sergeant-Major G. IT. Bell, who attended the meeting. Present membership of the local platoon of the Queen Alexandra Mounted Rifles was ten, he said, and it was possible that further recruits were not forthcoming because of the difficulty iu securing horses. Instruction in foot drill and .in the use _of arms could be given to recruits, however.

Referring' to the suggestion that an infantry unit should lie established in the borough, Ser-geant-Major Bell expressed his approval, but lie suggested thai those who comprised the mount' ed unit, mostly country residents, should, have the opportunity of presenting their opinions first. Mr. Brennan stated that, in his vie - "', there would be sufficient recruits to form a platoon within a small radius of the borough, and that it would not he necessary to interfere, with the present force. After some, discussion, the meeting decided that, the matter should be further investigated at next week's meeting and that endeavours be made in the following week to arrange a meeting at which likely recruits would be present. SergeantMajor Bell indicated that he also would attend the meeting, to o-echer with one of the senior officers of the Taranaki "Regiment.