MEETING IN NELSON.

Colonist, Volume LVII, Issue 13873, 15 September 1915, Page 3 (Supplement)

MEETING IN NELSON.

ADDRESS BY COLONEL PORTER.

In the Provincial .Hall, Nelson, last night, Colonel Porter, officer commanding the Wellington National Reserve, who is organising the Reserve in New Zealand, gave an address on its aims and objects. There was a large attendance. '

The Mayor (Mr C. J. Harley), who presided, in introducing Colonel Porter, mentioned that he had seen much service during the early Maori troubles, and had commanded the Seventh Np>w Zealand Contingent in the South African War.

Colonel Porter, who was received with prolonged applause, mentioned ibat the National Reserve movement was initiated at Home before the war broke out by Sir Reavers Buller, who was placed in oommand, and when he died the late Earl Roberts took up the position. The National Reserve was formed as a third line of land defence, the first btring the British Army and the second the Territorials. When the war broke out the Reserve became enlarged, and in England akno it now numbered 500,000. The movement in New Zealand was started in Otago and taken up in Auckland by patriotic citizens, and had now extended throughout the Dominion. Pressure had been brought to bear upon the Goyernmetit for recognition, and with this object in view he (Colonel Porter) had been asked to put the Reserve on a proper military basis, so that uniformity might be secured. Colonel Porter pointed out that the Militia' Act was still in existence, and that in ca.se of urgency all able-bodied men between certain ages could be called out by proclamation, and the National Reserve was practically in the position of a voluntary militia. Continuing, he said that when the Territorial system came into force there was no opportunity for volunteers to continue training after they had reached the age of 80 years. There wist, provision for a Territorial reserve, bat the system had not been long enough in existence fqr that to be formed. Unfit men under. 30 years of age could join the National Reserve, and there was also an honorary reserve in each district. Colonel Porter explained how it was proposed to work in with the Defence Department, and said he hoped Nelson would^' muster two or three regiments (a National Reserve regiment being equal to a imlir tary battalion in sirengih), He spoke of the moral effect, of the organisation on the outside 'wbrfd, and concluded by saying that any man able to move about who could not show a National Reserve badge could not be called a title patriot or haive the spirit that he ought to have. (Applause.) In moving a hearty vote of thanks to Colonel Porter for his address, Bishop Sadlier siaid that the war was briuging a new spirit into the nation, and the splendid achievements of our boys in Gallipoli would be remembered in history. (Applause.) While they were doing their duty at the front, we had our duty at home. We owed a debt of gratitude to our women-folk, who were devoting their time and attention to the various patriotic organisations. (Applause.) They must not allow the women to do all the work; there was something for the men to do, and that was where the National Reserve came in. He believed the mihtarv discipline of the war- would be of tremendous benefit to the country. Let us added the Bishop, abstain from settling the war—its conduct was m the best hands. Britain and her Allies could tafford to wait, and when the time comes, when victory is assured for us, then God will grant us as a nation the victory of righteousness over falsehood, right over wrong, '.lie weak against the strong, and we shad come out right. (Applause ) Let us keep smiling; let us take bad news li^e Britons, and that spirit will carry us LXenar-t^Colouel Grace, in socondin* the motion, said that the National Reserve was fortunate in havmg the benefit of Colonel Porter's experience, for he was a soldier who had served in the Maori wars, and his experience in the South African War would enable him the more to carry out the work oi organisation to a successful issue. The motion was carried by acclamation, and' on the call of the Mayor three hearty cheers were given tor Colonel Porter. . _ ' . The meeting concluded with the singinf of the National Anthem, led by the National Reserve Band. Prior to the meeting all branches of the Reserve paraded at. the Drillshed where they were inspected by Colonel Porter, who was accompanied by Colonel Bryant, Lieutenant-Colonel Orace, Major- Stiles, and Captain Nicholls. Colonel Porter briefly addresser''thV parade, and expressed .Ins .surprise at the large muster, and His pleasure- at' tlieir appearance. '