NEW ZEALAND DEFENCE

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20843, 29 June 1939, Page 9

NEW ZEALAND DEFENCE

MARLBOROUGH ACTIVITIES AN EX-SERVICEMAN’S BODY NATIONAL RESERVE COMPANY (By Telegraph.—Press Association) BLENIIIETM, Wednesday Over 60 returned soldiers attended a meeting last evening and formed themselves into a company, to be known as the Marlborough Returned Soldiers’ National Reserve 'Company. It will undertake a certain amount of voluntary training, with the object of becoming efficient for the purpose of local defence. The meeting was convened by the Marlborough 'Returned Soldiers' Association. All present enrolled, with the addition of several who were unable to attend. Mr <F. B. Lloyd, president of the association, expressed the hope that the example of the ex-servicemen would be followed by the younger men of the district. The -parade was then handed over to the staff-sergeant major, who immediately commenced siquad drill, followed by an explanation and demonstration of the Bren machine-gun. Two former war nurses also enrolled. ■As far as general recruiting is concerned, since Mr Savage's appeal 67 men have enlisted in the Mounted Rifles Regiment, which now is entirely mechanised. This is regarded as a satisfactory response for a town of the size of Blenheim, but a disappointing feature is the lack of recruits from the country districts. The establishment of the regiment has actually been attained, but the officers are anxious to train as many recruits as are offering. Recruiting in 'Class I. of the National Military Reserve is considered poor.