NATIONAL MILITARY RESERVE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 85, Issue 296, 16 December 1941, Page 4

NATIONAL MILITARY RESERVE

RECRUITING IN WANGANUI TERRITORIAL ASSOCIATION TO ASSIST In order that the National Military Reserve in Wanganui may be brought up to battalion strength at the earliest possible moment, the Wanganui Territorial Association is arranging a publicity programme with a view to stimulating recruiting. The main feature is to take lhe form of a demonstration along the Avenue on Friday evening of this week. A number of trucks, bearing appropriate posters, will take part in the parade. The present Eleventh Company of the Reserve, commanded by Major J. P. Wells, which will form the nucleus of the new battalion, will march along the Avenue, headed by the Wanganui Pipe Banti. Prior to the compulsory Territorial training regulations coming into force the Wanganui Territorial Association carried out a successful campaign when recruits were needed for the Wellington West Coast Regiment. The personnel of the association consists of public-spirited citizens anxious to assist the military units of ths city as far as they can from th * community side. Mr. N. R Bain is president. In view of the urgency of the situation, and the spread of the war to the Pacific it is hoped that there w'll be a ready response from men of th* age group, from 46 to 55 years. In the present company’ are many busy business men. farmers, and others who, during the 18 months of the company's existence, at much inconvenience. have given many hours to lhe necessary training to fit ♦hem to take their places as first-line home defence Itoops. should the need arise. Now the need has arisen for nwre trained men of the age groups referred to. It has become a definite policy of the War Cabinet to arm and equip immediately 421 men in Wanganui with rifles. light machine-guns, medium machine-guns and mortars That force will play an important part in the defence of Wanganui and is one which will be capable of quick and efficient mobilisation.