SECOND EDITION. MOUNTED UNIT

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LII, Issue 17185, 8 November 1926, Page 8

SECOND EDITION. MOUNTED UNIT

EAST COAST CORPS INITIATED AT TOLAGA For some lime past Iho military authorities have been investigating the possibilities of inaugurating a mounted rifle unit in the Poverty Buy district, where it is considered the conditions are favorable for the maintenance of a strong corp«s. Yesterday a, party of officers visited Tolaga Bay, and at a gathering of young men they received assurances of ample support to justify the initiation of a unit, 45 names 'being handed in by men . willing to become member.'-, of the mounted idle squadron. The military party comprised Major V. A. Wood," M.C.! staff officer commanding" the. 7th Regimental District; t'apt. (..'. \'. Sugden, adjutant of the 7th N.Z. Mounted Rifles (We-lUngton East Coast), and ('apt. Rurge, area. ~ffiwr for the Gisborne district. The response of the Tolaga Bay men was highly gratifying, and the official party also received warm assurances of support, from prominent fawners of the district. This support is essential to the succese of the project, for without the sympathy and assistance of the farmers, it is unlikely that the movement could sustain itself on the enthusiasm of the younger men, .It is necessary, for instance, that the mounted rifles should be well horsed, and the farmers have undertaken to assist, in this direction. Wit'i regard to the formation and training of the unit, it is interesting to rlote liiai among the 45 names already enrolled are those of several ex-service men, including two officers,, and four important specialists. The specialist details are already practically provided for, though the Department officers will welcome the enrolment of any men familiar with the working of a Hot'jhkiss gun, [which will be attached to the unit., I A VALUABLE LEAVENING.

The corps will he commanded by Lieut. Wilson, late of the N'.Z.E.i'"., and still on the reserve of officers, lie will have the assistance of Lieut. Morel!, who also saw service abroad, and the men mentioned who received technical training with the Expeditionary Force. The leavening of ex-service men is regarded as highly valuable, and it is hoped to show early results in the training of the troop. Uniforms will be made available shortly, and if possible the troop will begin actual work within three weeks. There will be monthly parades for exercise, in elementary drill, and musketry will figure largely in the training scheme. An annual camp will be held, the first of the series being iixed for next May, and during that period the training will be carried on on intensive lines. It had been intended to initiate 1 lie movement at Several points along the Coast, but in view of the very heartening assurances of support given at Tolaga, it has been decided to 'joncentrate the immediate effort at that township, and to prove by the progress there that mounted rifle service is profitable for the lads who have undertaken it. The mounted men are to all intents volunteers, and have undertaken duty for a period of two years: most of them live beyond the area. lin which compulsory parades may be called.

It is hoped to raise a first-class Maori unit in the near future, and preliminary steps already have been taken with this object in view. This unit would necessarily be confined among the Maoris resident permanently in the district, as onee entered upon the obligations of the servico cannot be evaded. In .regard to the supply of horses for training purposes, the" official parly concluded, from those ween about the district, that there would be no difficulty in mounting the units, Ihe type of horse needed for the mirpose, namely a good solid hack, being numerous in the vicinity of Tolaga Bay. . . .......*