THE TERRITORIALS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 41, 13 February 1912, Page 6

THE TERRITORIALS.

OFFICERS DO WELL IN RECENT EXAMINATIONS. EBOSECUTIONS POSSIBLE. At the recent examination for promotion of Territorial officers throughout New Zealand, the 11th Regiment Taranaki Rifles, hold the highest percentage of passes for the Dominion. In fact in three subjects, including tactics, strategy, and engineering, some of the officers secured the highest marks in the whole force. The results, it need hardly he stated, are exceedingly creditable and must bo very gratifying to the officers who have conducted the schools of instruction.

There is a rumour afloat that the next batch of prosecutions for failing to register under the Defence Act may include local youths. While it would be a pity to leave such a disgrace fall on a district where the youth have shown such enthusiasm and are producing such good results, it must not be forgotten that the “non-registers” promote a sense of discontent among those who are doing their duty and are finding it perhaps a little inconvenient. Under these circumstances a few cases, well conducted, should have a salutary effect. ARRANGEMENTS GOING ALONG SATISFACTORILY. INTERVIEW WITH THE G.O.C. (Per Press Association.") Invercargill, February 12. General Godley, Commandant of tno Now Zealand Forces, arrived in Invercargill to-day from a holiday trip to the Sounds in H.M.S. Pioneer. In an interview with a’ Southland Times reporter, General Godley stated that the reports received from all centres regarding drills and parades and general arrangements under the Defence .Act, were most satisfactory. Asked what the position was with regard to those men who had been eliminated from the Territorial Forces owing to not corning up to the required standard of fitness, but who were still eager to undergo training) the G.O.C. replied: “It has been arranged that these men will do their training in the rifle clubs in accordance with the provisions of the Defence Act, which contemplates a portion of the training, of necessity, being done in this 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 the Territorial Army. When the next year's batch of young men who arrive at the ago of IS become liable for service the intention then is to post those who are not taken in the Territorial Force to the rifle clubs in the way I have mentioned. In the meantime I hope that any young men ■who are in the position of not having been taken for tho Territorial Force, and who wish to undergo service, will start a rifle club in their own district. In the meantime, although I am afraid we cannot issue Territorial uniform and equipment to any beyond those already posted, wo are very glad that any young men who wish to drill should attend drills wherever they are taking place. I lool* forward,” the Commandant continned, “to a good camp of the Dunedin and Invercargill batteries at Mandeville between February 24th and March 3rd. The work for tho first year will of necessity be very ele-mentary,-but much useful instruction will bo gained. The officers and men of the various regiments will lie able to make each others’ thorough acquaintance, and the organisation of the-scheme and the system of administration will be placed cn a sound footing.” 1