TERRITORIAL NOTES.

Wanganui Chronicle, Issue 12856, 23 October 1912, Page 3

TERRITORIAL NOTES.

(By "Old Campaigner.")

At the daylight parade to be held on Thursday next, several lieutenants of thf> seventh regiment, and also eomo senior cadet officers, are to be examined f<jv promotion to iieutenait. This examination, which is kn'nv.'i as A, b purely a practical and oral i;n<3.

The result of the registration and posting of junior cadets to senior cadets has been an increase of senior cadets for 1912 of 1,835, making the present strength of the senior cadet companies, in four groups, 6,486.

The total number of senior cadets available for posting to territorials an J riHe clubs in 1912 was 1,031. Of these 683 were posted to territorials, 298 were posted to rifle clubs, and 70 were rejected as medically unfit.

Sergfc. C. C. Brinsley, late of B Company, 7th Regiment, who was appointed Sergeant-Instructor on tho permanent rt aIF and took up his duties at Waitara, has been compelled to resign owing to ill health and has returned to Wanganui.

It is to be distinctly understood (says General Order, 234) that officers, noncommissioned officers, and those desiring attachment to Imperial or Territorial forces in England must obtain the necessary authority from headquarters, Wellington, before leaving New Zealand, otherwise their applications cannot be considered when they arrivo in England.

Adjutants, area Sergeant-Majors, and all instructors of the permanent staff hearing or meeting, or otherwise becoming aware of a new arrival (territorial or senior cadet) in their group, area, and (more especially) drill centre, are strictly enjoined to take steps at once to collect all information regarding such new arrival, to write to his last known firer, or company, and to request that the transfer be effected through the pr?.^cribed channels. Co-operation is essential to prevent leakages.

Hero is some more for MaorilandT "The New Zealand cadets seemed to

make a fino impression both on his Royal

j Highness and the crowd, but the '- Toronto public school lads, much smaller than tho -boys from over the seas, made a remarkably good showing, and marched with spirit and precision, cairying their Ross rifles in quite a jaunty style." But listen to this, you passive registers: "Tho bare-kneed New Zealanders made a great hit by reason of their splendid physique and almost perfect marching."

A cadet is subject to continuous training from the age of 14 years to 25 years. On reaching his 18th birthday, a cadet will continue to serve as such in his senior cadet company until 31st May following, when he will bo posted during the month of June to tho territorial force in accordance with Paragraph 167, Regulation New Zealand Military Forces. Officers commanding senior cadet companies will bo annually notified by their respective group officers to forward the rolls on Ist April in each year. Posting to the territorial force from the roll will "be subject to tho passing of the . necessary medical examination.

■Serwt.-Major Morrison, stationed at. Foilding, is a typical Imperial officer, nnd ho is a great favourite with the senior cadets. He is having a team trained for the competitions "at Christchurch in physical drill, squad drill, and tug-of-war.

The local Defence Office receives some rather unique letters at times, but tho following stands on its own for sincerity combined with cutenees. It is a communication from a Maori, boy, anxious to tako n, part in the defence system of the Dominion, but apoaren'tly his father opposes the step, and* so with tho object of obtaining assistance from headquarters ho addressed tho letter to Captain Hume. The amusing part (if it is that the applicant asked the genial captain to enter into a secret compact to beat tho old dad. The exact word■ng of tho letter is as follows:—

"To tho Cantain of the Wanganui Mounted Rifle. .

Dear Sir. —Feeling like to joined your company, that is to ioined tho Wanganui Mounted Rifle, and if you allowed me plea.", kindly let me know. I am only i\ boy of seventeen years old. but my father won't allow me to ioined, but if you a grog to mo wo will make this thing only to our self and when it is dono we will shoo him. I am a full Maori boy." Here follows the signature and address.

I-Jis Excellency the Governor has approved the Dickson Crest from His Excellency's Arms, with his motto '•Fortes Fortura Juvat," on a scroll beneath, being adopted as a badge for Senior Cadet officers.

It has been decided that the New Zealand Railway Corps shall wear a similar uniform to the Engineers, and the New Zealand Post and Telegraph Corps one similar to that of the Infantry. Shoulder badges for the former will be N.Z.E., and for the latter N.Z.P. and T. Corps.

Get your piano where you can roi'y on quality and value. Hundreds of peoplo are taking advantage of tho Dresden Piano Company's time payment system ; and shipment upon shipment of "pianos and organs is coming in month after month. "The Dresden," with years of experience and a remarkable turnover, is ever able to sell the befit goods at tho lowest market rate. But it is not satisfied with merely gaining a now customer ; it aims at making another business friend—and usually does >*o. Now, with tho Dresden Piano" Co., Ltd., absolute quality is guaranteed. Every piano issued is perfect material and workmanship. This reputation is guarded most jealously. Where, fore example, will yon find better instruments than tho Broadwood, the Linp, the J?onisch. and tho Stoinway—they aro indeed ' four great pianos! You should certainly either call on or write to tho Dresden Piano Co., Ltd.. Wellington; or you could ftee their Local P^presentativo--P. B. Lomax. Opposite Chavannes', Victoria. Avenue.