CITIZENS' DEFENCE CORPS

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 245, 19 November 1914, Page 8

CITIZENS' DEFENCE CORPS

ENTHUSIASTIC PARADE. There was a large and very enthusiastic attendance of citizens at the "King Edward Barracks last night, on the occasion of the weekly parade of the Citizens' Defence Corps. Mr George Harper, in addressing the men, was greeted with frequent applause. He stated that the number enrolled was now 885, and it had been arranged that a certain number of rifles were to be issued. Mr 3, 3. Dougall had been appointed commandant,* and he would appoint his officers and would be responsible for all in connection with the military side of the corps. The various units would be allowed to elect their own non-commissioned officers. Mr 3. 3. Dougall said it was becoming more apparent every day that more .men were required at the front, and he believed it was more than "time that this country offered another Expeditionary Force. When ' that. force was ■ sent' 1 -it would behove those left to take the place of Territorials who had gone, and to do so they must fit themselves for' the purpose, particularly in practising rifle shooting. The corps must also have an idea of discipline and drill, and they now knew enough in this respect to form a military organisation. He expressed appreciation of the work done by Messrs G. Harper, S. Hardey, and J. M. Turnbull in organising the corps, and stated that Mr Hardey had been appointed adjutant.