CLASSIFICATION OF RESERVISTS

Southland Times, Issue 23827, 26 May 1939, Page 8

CLASSIFICATION OF RESERVISTS

Question Of Training Not Decided DEMAND ON FACILITIES TO BE CONSIDERED (United Press Association) AUCKLAND, May 25. “We have not laid out any definite form of training for the New Zealand National Military Reserve,” said the Minister of Defence (the Hon. F. Jones) today. The names were being received and would be classified and then the question of training, if any, would be decided, he added. “We may be able to arrange that certain sections shall undergo a certain amount of training,” Mr Jones continued. “We have to consider, however, what extra demand there will be on the facilities as a result _of the enlargement of the territorial forces by 6000 men. , “I have no doubt that we will get the 6000 men we require,” he said. “If we did not, we might obtain some from men who have served in the territorials and who are under 35 years of age. A total of 834 registrations for the New Zealand National Military Reserve had been collected up to nine o’clock this morning at 12 central post offices in the Dominion, Mr Jones continued. The details were:—

The real test would be, however, when the cards were returned and he suggested that applicants might complete their forms as early as possible. Registration in the national reserve could be looked upon as a voluntary national register for the land forces, he said. It might be regarded in the same light as the register of 5000 names compiled for the Air Force. With the increase in the territorial army, the work of officers, non-commissioned officers and instructors would be increased considerably. There was a possibility that the former territorial officeis and noncommissioned officers might be asked later to give lectures and instruction to sections of the reserve. A section of returned soldiers had already asked to be allowed to train its own men.

Mr Jones added that the report on the land forces of New Zealand made at the request of the Government by Major-General P J. Mackesy, of the Imperial Army, would be considered i shortly by the Defence Council. | Major-General Mackesy attended the (Pacific Defence Conference and is expected to leave Wellington by the Awatea tomorrow. MORE ENROLMENTS IN INVERCARGILL SERVICES OFFERED BY 82 PERSONS A total of 82 enrolments for the National Military Reserve had been received by the Chief Post Office, Invercargill, up till noon yesterday. Fifty-one of these enrolments were from the city and 31 from the country. Several inquiries about the reserve have also been received. ABOUT 100 MORE ENROL AT AUCKLAND (United Press Association) AUCKLAND, May 25. About 100 enrolments in the National Military Reserve were lodged at the Chief Post Office today and large numbers of cards were distributed. Indications from the growing response are that Auckland’s contribution will be very heavy. TERRITORIAL UNITS STRONGER WAITING LISTS COMPILED (United Press Association) WELLINGTON, May 25. Inquiries made today show that the territorial units in the Wellington city area have already reached new strength and waiting lists are being compiled. A steady inquiry for enrolment cards for the National Military Reserve continues and many business firms and other organizations have asked for supplies. A military officer who was interviewed said it was definite that those joining the reserve were not committing themselves to service beyond New Zealand. Class I of the reserve would take the majority of the 5000 men to be selected for a certain amount of training and this class would be trained at evening parades. ST. JOHN AMBULANCE ALLOTTED DUTY ALL FIRST AID WORK (United Press Association) DUNEDIN, May 25. Regulations which have been issued under the emergency precautions scheme provide that the St. John Ambulance Brigade shall be the body to undertake all first aid and transport work. Now that this point has been settled, every endeavour will be made to increase the strength of the ambulance divisions throughout the Dominion and the Chief Commissioner (Colonel Barclay) is calling upon the Mayors of towns and other authorities asking for their assistance in securing additional enrolments, particularly of male personnel. The senior brigade officer in each centre has been directed to confer with the municipal authorities as to the necessary steps which can be taken. NEW DEFENCE LEAGUE BRANCH COMMITTEE FORMED AT OREPUKI More than 50 residents of Orepuki and the surrounding district gathered in the new Returned Soldiers’ Association hall on Friday night to hear an address by Dr G. H. Uttley, chairman of the Invercargill branch of the New Zealand Defence League. Mr C. McKeown presided and introduced the speaker. After reviewing the international situation. Dr Uttley then explained the aims and objects of the Defence League pointing out at the same time that the league desired to help the Government by rousing the public to a

more active interest in the subject of national defence. He emphasized also the need for greatly increased numbers of trained men in the land defence forces. Several questions were asked at the end of the address and they were answered by Dr Uttley and. Mr T. F. Gilkison. A motion was then carried that a branch of the New Zealand Defence League be formed at Orepuki. A big committee, including a women’s sub-committee, was then elected. Mr J. Hennessey was appointed chairman, Mr James Smith vice-chairman and Mr C. W. N. Fraser secretary. WINTON BRANCH SEEKS INFORMATION The executive for the Winton area of the New Zealand Defence League has decided to write to the Southland branch requesting information about future activities while the Government’s defence policy is awaited. , Mr W. H. J. Shaw presided at the meeting and there were also present:— Messrs C. M. Lindsay, N. G. Pigou, T. Hobbs, W. J. Bennett, G. Forde, J. A. Clark and the secretaries, Miss I. G. Russell and Mr H. H. Molloy. SUPPORT OF FARMERS’ UNION GOVERNMENT’S EFFORT TO OBTAIN MEN (United Press Association) WELLINGTON, May 25. At a meeting of the Dominion executive of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union, the Hon. F. Waite, M.L.C., said that the union should get behind.the Government in its effort to provide an efficient defence force. The Farmers’ Union had always advocated efficient defence by sea, land and air. This was an attempt to get men for the land forces. He would move: “That the New Zealand Farmers’ Union supports the Prime Minister in his appeal for men to enlist in the territorial force and train for the defence of New Zealand.” The resolution was seconded by Mr G. C. Warren (Canterbury) and carried unanimouslv.

Auckland 111 Thames 44 Whangarei 35 Hamilton 36 Wellington 159 Wanganui 23 Napier 123 New Plymouth 48 Nelson 12 Christchurch 111 Dunedin 91 Invercargill 36