RECRUITING CAMPAIGN

Opunake Times, 30 June 1939, Page 3

RECRUITING CAMPAIGN

FOURTEEN MEN ENROL SUCCESS OF APPEAL

Confidence in the prospect of establishing a platoon of volunteer territorials at Opunake was expressed by Lieut. W. 11. Al-

exander, N.Z.8.C., adjutant o the Taranaki Regiment, avlku the local recruiting campaigr Avas launched last evening. A total of fourteen yuug men of flu town and surrounding district paraded, Avere duly attested and passed the medical examination conducted by Dr. T. N. Watt. These Avill be tb.e foundation members of Opunake’s first infantry unit since the voluntary training system was established. After tlie parade. Lieut. Alexander expressed great satisfaction with the parade, and with the type of men who offered their services. He was most optimistic concerning the filling of the platoon at the establishment strength of 29 men. The president, Mr. I. GShort, and officials of the Opuuake branch of the New Zealand Defence League, Avho were present at the parade, also had every reason to be gratified Avith the result, since it is as a result of the efforts of the branch that the platoon has been established. Previously, Opunake was reserved as a recruiting ground for the Queen Alexandra Mounted Rifles, and while the local troop has been maintained, and was represented at the recent successful camp at Waverley, it was felt that the difficulty iu securing mounts prevented many of the young men, particularly in the town area, from offering themselves for military training. Accordingly representations Avere made to the defence authorities, with the present result.

Parades will he held on alternate Aveeks. on Wednesday, and the first parade will he on July in. On this occasion, further intending entrants Avill he intervieAved by the recruiting officers, and, as the Defence League has the names of seA r eral men who desire to enrol, it is expected that there Avill be a large number offering. Arrangements also were made last evenin.g for the recruits’ special training course to he held at Trentham from July 21) to August 5. This course is optional, and similar periods of instruction will he held monthly for the benefit of neAV entrants in the territorial army.

Last night, Lieut. Alexander nointed out to the recruits that they had done their part in coming forward to 1 offer their services. It now remained for their employers to indicate their desire to serve in the defence interests of Die country by providing them Avith facilities for attending instructional courses. If the employer would do his part by alio Aving the recruits time off to attend camp, the training system Avould he. able to fulfill its purpose. School Cadet Unit Arrangements also are in train for the establishment of a cadet platoon at the Opunake District High School. In accordance Avith a suggestion from the headmaster Mr. O. W. Williams, Lieut. Alexander visited the school yesterdaA' and discussed the proposal. Avhich Avi 11 probably he carried into effect in the near future. It is understood that thirty boy mndls will be offering for train-