THE TERRITORIALS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 35, 26 September 1911, Page 4

THE TERRITORIALS.

MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS. A FLAW IN THE ACT. (Per Press Association,) Wellington September 26. The Defence authorities have circularised the principal medical officers stating that as the total number of rejections for medical unfitness amongst Territorials is only 5 per cent., the' number left is in excess of those required, so the standard of physical fitness must be raised to exclude fully 33 per cent. It is understood that some recentlydisclosed defect in the Defence Act has made it impossible to proceed against persons refusing to present themselves for medical inspection, but c ompulsion can be applied when on order goes forth for youths to fall in for drill. PROVISION FOR BANDS. In our issue of yesterday, says last Thursday’s Wellington “Post,” appeared a letter relating to the formation of regimental bands, and expressing tne hope that the Wellington Garrison Banci would become a regimental band. Enquiries made by a member of the “Post’s” staff from the Defence authorities elicited the information that each regimental band was formed practically as a unit in the Defence Force. It is under the same discipline as an infantry company, and, to all iritFnts and purposes, is- such. The need for a garrison oand is therefore not felt, and it is practically left to do one of two things, it can he absorbed as a regimental band and be attached to the Wellington Garrison Artillery, or. in the alternative, it can disband. If it chooses the former condition—of course, subject to the approval of the corps concerned—it would be maintained under the “maintenance grants to the Territorial Force.” In paragraph 619 of the Rugulations for the Military Forces of New Zealand it is stated:—“To meet the general expenses of administration a maintenance grant will be made to each unit of the Territorial Force at the following annual rates: For each mounted unit in which men supply their own horses, a sum equal to £1 per man. For each dismounted unit and mounted units in which the man does not bring his own horse, 10s per man. . . .” In paragraph 621, it is stated that this sum, which is placed in a lump to the credit of the officer commanding, may bo used for several legitimate expenditures, amongst which is “regimental band.” This would give ample funds, provided, of course, the artillery unit desired to so spend its money.