TRAINING DEFENDED.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 50, Issue 196, 2 June 1930, Page 5

TRAINING DEFENDED.

THE DEFENCE FORCES. BRIGADIER GARD’NER’S VIEWS. (Per Press Association.) - CHRISTCHURCH, This Day. “Wild and inaccurate statements have been made about the present defence forces. They have been accused of being seriously inefficient and useless, but I want to say that that is absolutely incorrect.” With these remarks Brigadier M. M. Gard’ner, 0.C., Southern Command, prefaced a speech in defence of the present military system, at the Veterans’ Association reunion oil Saturday evening. “I challenge anyone to produce expert opinion that will prove the Territorial Force to be inefficient,” he continued. “I honestly believe that the defence at the present time are in a higher state of efficiency than, ever before. That is not my own personal opinion,- for it has been backed, up by every regular officer from the Old Country. “Last year, an officer from the War Office expressed astonishment at the results obtained. He he would not have believed it possible that such results could come from the small amount of training given. The youth of this country haye been accused of taking no interest in their military training; but the fact that 80 boys voluntarily gave up their holidays to spend some time recently at an n.c.o. instruction class in Dunedin gives the’ lie to that accusation and other mischievous things hat have been said during the last few weeks.” “I quite agree,” went on BrigadierGard’ner, “that peace pacts and conferences are excellent so far as they go. They are certainly the only means that will bring universal peace, but there is a long way to go yet. We must face facts and realise that we cannot depend upon them entirely. We cannot forget tjiat Belgium in 1914 depended for protection on a pact. Belgium’s territory was guaranteed by the Great Powers of Europe, of which Germany was one. The result we know. The world has not yet arrived at a stage where armies can be neglected. We still have to say, ‘ Trust in God, and keep your powder dry.’ “I do think . that anythin** the returned men can do to encourage the. present Territorials and Cadets will be of service to the country.”