DOMINION DEFENDERS.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 12686, 13 February 1912, Page 3

DOMINION DEFENDERS.

(Per Press Association.) . INVEROARGILL, last night. General Godley, commandant of the New Zealand forces, arrived m Invercargill to^lay from a holiday trip to the Sounds m H.M.S. Pioneer, In an interview with a Southland Times reporter, General Godley stated that repprts received from all centres regarding drills and parades and general arrangements under the Defence Act were most satisfactory. General Godley was asked what tlie position was with regard to those men wno had been eliminated from the territorial forces owing to not coming up to the required standard of physical fitness, but who were still eager to undergo training. "It has been ar ranged," he replied, "that these men will do their training m the rifle clubs, m accordance with the pro/isions of the Defence Act, which contemplate a portion of the training of necessity beiny done m that manner. It is hoped that as the universal training scheme develops rifle clubs will be developed and more thoroughly organised, and will later form a most valuable second line to v the territorial army. When next year's batch of young men who arrive at the age of 18* become liable for service, the intention is to post those who are not taken for the territorial force to rifle clubs m the way I have stated. In the meantime I hope that any young men who are m the position of not having been taken for the territorial force, and who wish to undergo service, will start a rifle club m their own district. Though I am afraid we cannot issue territorial uniform and equipment to any beyond those already pasted, we are very glad that any young men who wish to drill should attend drills wherever they are taking place. "I look forward," the commandant continued, "to a 'good camp of the Dunedin and Invercargill batteries at Mandeville between February 24th and March 3rd. The work for the first year will of necessity be very elementary, but much useful instruction' will be gained. The officers lind men. 'of the various regiments will he able to make each other's thorough 1 acquaintance, and . the organisation of the scheme and the system of administration will be placed on a sound footing." , ' ■ -■•■•..