THE DEFENCE OF NEW ZEALAND.

Auckland Star, Volume XLV, Issue 186, 6 August 1914, Page 8

THE DEFENCE OF NEW ZEALAND.

(To t!ie I r .:litor.) Sir, —Now that it is practically certain that our country will bo embroiled in the war, it is surely time that we should place ourselves in an efficient state of defence. Unfortunately, the territorial system has not bron long enough in existence to provide men capable cf meeting the seasoned troops of foreign nations. The expeditionary force will mean that we are sending away the cream of that force. As an old volunteer having served several years in the artillery and riile companies), I have closely followed the territorial movement, and have no hesitation in stating thai neither in physique, efficiency, nor that great consideration esprit de corps, do the territorials compare with the ex-volunteers, while in shooting there is no comparison. Looking at the glorious manner in Which our fathers acquitted themselves in the Maori War, we, their sons, claim the right as trained and seasoned men to be enrolled, at this time of national danger, to defend our homes and families. I speak on behalf of hundreds who would immediately come forward. It was a criminal oversight that in instituting the territorial system no provision was made to keep as a rossrve we volunteers, upon whom New Zealand had spent thousands of pounds to render efficient. However, it is now a matter of deeds, not words.—l am, etc., "QUEEN'S OWN."