THE TERRITORIALS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12735, 3 September 1919, Page 6

THE TERRITORIALS.

* FUTURE TRAINING. [From Our Correspondent.] WELLINGTON', September 2. Opportunity was given, when the Defence report was tabled to-day, to question Sir James Allen on several matters, including the future of Territorial training and the employment of officers. *'L' Witty asked what was intended to be done with many officers still in tne service, while Mr Seddon inquired it the proposed scheme of a probationary camp for officers applying for permanent positions would give proper opportunities to all officers desiring positions, especially those still on the water. Sir James Allen replied that there were about forty vacancies in the permanent force, which would be filled from the Expeditionary Forces. The remainder of the officers would go into the reserve. Candidates for permanent positions would be required to enter camp for a course of training to ascertain who was most suitable for the work in view. As for the future of Territorial training, it was inopportune to deal with this until proposals were brought forward, but there was no intention to make any change in Territorial training until July, 1920. iMr Witty askoti that drill officers who failed to attend to drill country Cadets who attended at great inconvenience should be fined in the same way as the Cadets were fined for default, Ho knew of many cases where drill officers failed to keep their engagement. Sir James Allen suggested that this was duo to exceptional, causes, such as floods. Officers wishing to get permanent appointments should apply promptly, while those on the water would get their chance.