Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit SATURDAY, MAY 21, 1938. DEFENCE NEEDS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 58, Issue 187, 21 May 1938, Page 6

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit SATURDAY, MAY 21, 1938. DEFENCE NEEDS.

The Government’s programme of defence, as outlined by the Hon. F. Jones at Dargaville, reveals some elements of strength and some of weakness. It is clear that as matters stand at present the Dominion is virtually defenceless in a menacing world. Of the three services, only the naval arm is comparatively well-manned and equipped to give a fighting account of itself, but its base at Auckland remains insufficiently protected by air and land forces. Plans have been prepared for the necessary provision but circumstances demand that these plans should be translated into action without undue delay. The development of the Air Force, which was outlined some time ago, is progressing at a slow pace. Fhe Minister attributes that to delays in delivery, but the thirty modern bombers included in the programme cannot be received until the two operational stations are formed, only one being now in hand: But subject to the time factor, the Government’s programme of naval and air defence may be considered reasonably satisfactory. It is in regard to the Territorial Force that the position is particularly unsatisfactory, indeed, disquieting. It is plain that the voluntary system of training is not giving results commensurate with the needs. The Minister himself admits that men are not being trained in sufficient numbers. Of the present strength of 7400, which is 1600 short of the modest establishment, only forty-one per cent have attended camp this year. The Minister endeavours to justify the limit of nine thousand by saying that it is not so much a question of numbers as of obtaining men of the right stamp. This is one of those half truths that mislead. The greater the number of men in training and of trained men in reserve the less anxiety there will be regarding the supply of necessary reinforcements, a matter that was one of the major problems during the Great War. The trouble lies in the fact that although, as the Minister says, the physical requirements are well within the standard of the average New Zealander, the desired number is not forthcoming and of those who do enter the ranks a large proportion undoubtedly do not discharge their engagements. Compulsory military service would give New Zealand a body ( of men of impressive numbers, trained and under competent leadership. The alternative is such an attractive system of voluntary enlistment as to ensure general response. If it is made attractive enough there is no reason to suppose that the Minister’s estimate of a peace-time establishment cannot be exceeded. A most valuable factor in achieving that result would be a practical, helpful public opinion affording support of Government action and impressing on the youth of the Dominion the realisation that patriotic fervour in resistance to aggression when menace actually comes will lack much of its effectiveness unless strengthened by previous adequate preparation.