MR. BARNARD ON DEFENCE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 32, 8 February 1939, Page 10

MR. BARNARD ON DEFENCE.

There is little In the statement by the Hon. W. E. Barnard on defence heeds that line not been said before, but seldom has*it been *aid bo well. More important is the fnet that the statement comes from one of the most responsible and respected members of the Government party. In asking, "Of what use ie it to try to build up a better social and economic order, unless we are prepared to defend it T" Mr. Barnard has exactly expressed the sentiment and opinion of a great and growing number of people, including ninny of the firmest supporters of the Government. These, and others who hnve until now given little thought to the question, will be impressed by the note of urgency in his statement, by his declaration that there are not more than 2000 efficient soldiers in the Territorial Force, and by his constructive suggestions to remedy the situation. But will the Government be impressed T Mr. Savage's statement to-day is senrcrly nn indication that it will. As against Mr. Barnard's assertion thnt " time is against m,'\ the Prime Minister knows of no special reason "why people ehould get excited." It is> however, not a question of "getting excited." The excitement conies when an emergency arises, and when young men in thousands volunteer for service, for which they need training. They ought to be getting that tmining now, and they are not.