DOMINION DEFENCE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 120, 24 May 1938, Page 6

DOMINION DEFENCE.

THE TIME FOR ACTION. To the Editor. It is indeed most gratifying to see by valued columns the changing of the attitude of the Government relative to of defence. To one who lias served in His Majesty's Forces both in England ar.i in New Zealand in a voluntary capacity throughout a period of 2S> years, it is suggestive of recompense and proves that the time thus spent in persistently promulgating defer-:? has not been idly wasted. I am convinced that, afforded an opportunity to record its ovinion regarding defence, a great majority of the thinking people of this Dominion wor"<l be found to i)e behind the Government in whatever form of compulsory measure it ele; ted to adopt. If we. on the other hand, do not resort to methods of conscription there is surely some other way of providing the forces which are necessary. I wish that people would do just a little quiet thinking on this subject. Up till now, Xow Zealand has been sloihfnl'y slumbering while Britain lias been thinking how to preserve freedom and yet avoid conscription. The necessary compromise between voluntary and compulsory principles must be found, bringing into vogue —if need lie—some development of the ideal of physical fitness through training. But whatever scheme the Government may have in mind, there i = apparent in N'ew Zealand to-day a mood that •will insist it shall prove effective, for it cannot be denied that to be influential for peace we must be strong. Let us recline no longer in slotli with its*false sense of security, but be up and doing. H. J. GII7LMORE. Organising Secretary, X.Z. Territorial As<?n.