TERRITORIAL CAMP

Wairarapa Times-Age, 5 April 1939, Page 5

TERRITORIAL CAMP

EXCEPTIONALLY SUCCESSFUL. GOOD ATTENDANCE RECORDED. •By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. Reports from the army headquarters -f the New Zealand Military Forces ;how that the territorial camps this /ear have been exceptionally successful. The attendance so far has been i record. A number of units mustered 100 per cent of their peace strength, ,nd the average roll call has exceeded ?0 per cent. It is anticipated that hose territorials who, for various rea•_cns. have not been able to attend their own unit camps, will be able to attend the casual camps which will be held in all districts for all units during the next two months. Several reasons have been given for the marked increase in the attendance of territorials at training camps. The most outstanding of these have been, first, the whole-hearted co-operation if employers in granting leave of absence to territorials for the purpose of attending military instructional camps, and. secondly, the policy of the Government in improving the conditions of service in the territorial force. All commanding officers have commented in complimentary terms on the type of recruit who is now coming forward to join the territorials and undertake the public, duty .of home defence. There is no obligation upon any member of the territorial force to serve beyond New Zealand shores. Enlistment is for a period of three years for home defence only. It is officially stated that the territorials today measure up to the aim of the force, which is quality rather than quantity. They all exorcise the spirit of service, and have demonstrated in camp lo a high degree of appreciation. efficiency, good conduct, and good fellowship.