DEFINITE NEEDS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 59, Issue 33, 18 November 1938, Page 3

DEFINITE NEEDS

COMPULSORY TRAINING URGED. RESOLUTION BY CONFERENCE. (Per Press Association ./ WELLINGTON, November 17. Opening a. conference of the New Zealand Defence League, the Dominion president of the league (the Hon. W. Perry) said that the league, being a strictly non-party and non-political body, was bound to give credit to the Government for what it had done, and for ordering more aeroplanes, but the problem in New Zealand to-day was that the strength of the Territorial Force was still 1000 short of the establishment of 9000 which, of itself, was ridiculously small. # It was evident in the light of these facts that the voluntary system in New Zealand had failed, and that its continuance was hopeless from the point of view of obtaining sufficient men for the Territorial Army of New Zealand. Various Territorial associations had been formed throughout New Zealand with a view to the promotion of recruiting. The league would be glad to assist the Territorial associations in that direction, but the league’s objects were wider, embracing all the fighting services and, not only those, but the organisation of the civilian population iiT the event of war, or other emergency.

It seemed to him that if the British Empire and democracy Avere to survive it Avas necessary for the Avhole population to take upon itself the obligation of national service in some form or other.

After a discussion in Avliich many delegates took part it was unanimously agreed to advocate the folloAving measures in achievement of the league’s aims and objects; (1) A minimum of three months’ compulsory continuous recruit training by all youths, on attaining the age of 18 years.

(2) Thereafter, continuity of compulsory training in the Territorials for a period of four years.