MILITARY CAMPS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 54, Issue 195, 31 May 1934, Page 8

MILITARY CAMPS

APPEAL TO EMPLOYERS.

ENCOURAGING ATTENDANCE, (Per Press Association). WELLINGTON, May 30. Speaking at the presentation of trophies to local battery companies, Sir "William Sinclair-Burgess, G.0.C., New Zealand Forces, said he realised the difficulties under which some annual camps had been' carried on, owing to the absence of many who were needed there. He felt it his duty to make a special appeal to those who had soldiers in their employ to liberate them . for one week each year to attend annual camps. He also asked that employers should encourage men to join up. Sometimes, said Sir William, he was asked why New Zealand did not mechanise her artillery and what was the ' good of being out of date. He ha>l two answers to the questions. The first was that it would not be right, in view of the present economic conditions, and the second was that there were many parts of New Zealand where ' it would not be practicable to use tractors for hauling guns. There were many places where a horse could go but where a tractor could not.

CO-OPERATION IN DEFENCE.

AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND. WELLINGTON, May 30. The Minister for Defence (the Hon. J. G. Cobbe) stated to-day. that the Commonwealth Government and the Government of New Zealand were working in close co-operation on naval, military and air defence. The belief is held that closer co-operation between the two countries would strengthen the position of both, especially in View'of the similarity of their policies. Mr Cobbe "said that NeW Zealand sheils .were at present being reconditioned by arrangement with the Australian Government, which was also supplying certain military equipment. This arrangement was proving very satisfactory from New Zealand's point of view.