STILL VOLUNTARY

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20811, 23 May 1939, Page 8

STILL VOLUNTARY

16,000 TERRITORIALS HOME DEFENCE SCHEME NATIONAL RESERVE REGISTER (Special to Times) WELLINGTON, Tuesday The raising of the strength of the Territorial Forces of New Zealand to a peace strength of 16,000 volunteers, the creation of a national military reserve register of able-bodied men between 20 and 55 years of age, and an appeal for 260 men for service In a special reserve were announced by the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage, last evening In a broadcast appeal for men to train themselves for home defence in New Zealand only. “The first call I wish to make is for volunteers to fill the paps in the regular forces, which are the men responsible for training the Territorial Army, its organisation and equipment. “The second appeal is for our first line of land defence —the Territorial Army,” said Mr Savage in asking for 7000 more volunteers so that the present peace-time establishment of 9000 men could be increased to 16,000 volunteers. Reserve for Territorials After outlining his scheme for 250 men for service in a special reserve, the Prime Minister said the Government had decided to accept offers for service from all able-bodied men between 20 and 55 years of age to register in a national military reserve. From those offering their services 5000 —with previous military experience—would be selected as a reserve to territorial units and would in a national emergency be called up in order to brine the peace establishment of the Territorial Army up to war strength. “I appeal to the men of this country to offer themselves forthwith while there is still time for training in the art of war. I ask all able-bodied men between 20 and 55 years of age to go to the nearest post office or defence office and fill in cards to receive this training when called upon. This does not mean that men will be separated from their families and occupations for long periods of time. Arrangements will be made to avoid that and to see that young men are not deprived of their Saturday sporting activities. In concluding his appeal for volunteers. Mr Savage said only welltrained men could defend New Zealand if an emergency arose. “The Government wishes New Zealand to be so strong, and to be known to be so strong, that any would-be aggressor will realise that an attack upon us is not worth his while,” he said. Expansions in Three Arms “If such a disaster came, I can confidently say New Zealand would not be paralysed because of any lack of preparedness. Care is being taken to ensure that the country does not lack essential supplies for the people or for the armed forces. If war broke out to-morrow a fairly efficient machine would immediately be brought into action.” Outlining a few of the advances made in the three services, Mr Savage said the two cruisers had been replaced by larger and more modern vessels: the Territorial Force had been built lip in the last two years to over its full establishment at 9500 men; the artillery was now completely mechanised and leeway was being made up in providing the latest mechanised infantry equipment.

It was in the Air Force that the greatest advances had been made. New military aerodromes were being established in both islands, and the training schools at Wigram and Hobsonville had been extended. There were active Territorial Air Force units in the larger centres, with an Air Force Civil Reserve, including 5000 artisans, prepared to help in the country’s defence.

Next year, when the programme was completed, there would be not fewer than t«o aeroplanes, including 30 Yickers-Wellington bombers.

FORMS FOR ENROLMENT AVAILABLE AT POST OFFICE VACANCIES IN TERRITORIALS (By Telegraph—Press Association) WELLINGTON, Tuesday Printed enrolment forms are available at every post office and the Army Department advises intending recruits to apply for these at the nearest post office, fill them nip. and post them. They will I hen receive a reply from the Army Department within approximately a fortnight, advising whereabouts their services will be required, and what branch. Tf there is any special information desired this can be obtained by applying to the nearest Defence Office, but it is specially emphasised that there are still vacancies in the Territorial Force for men between 18 and 25 years. who are physically fit, and they are advised to apply direct to the nearest defence office. A VITAL NEED MORE TRAINED MEN (Special to Times) MATAMATA, Monday The National Party had decided to support strongly .universal military service for home defence, said Mr .1. Marges t, M.P. for Awarua. When speaking at Matamata this evening. This decision had been made following discussion at Ihe recent caucus of the party. In an emergency. Parliament could, at one sitting do anything it. wished with wealth and property, but it could not train men by Act of Parliament. Training took time, and to wait until Ihe enemy arrived at the gales was [ suicidal.