ALL UNITED.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 203, 29 August 1939, Page 14

ALL UNITED.

DEFENCE OF N.Z.

DECISIONS OF MEETING.

MAKE POSITION CLEAR.

Lnanimity of opinion and purpose marked a meeting, arranged by the executives of the Chamber of Commerce, the Employers' Association and the Manufacturers' Association was held yesterday afternoon to discuss the defence of New Zealand. Mr. A. Ely, the president of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, presided. The meeting unanimously passed two resolutions, one recording recognition of the Government's preparations for defence, and earnestly recommending the immediate establishment of a home defence force of men between the ages of 20 and So, to receive not less than three months' continuous training; the oilier resolution recommending that immediate action should be taken to organise all other members of tho community for their contribution to national defence in an emergency. Mr. Ely said that there was no more serious occasion in the history of Auckland than they were now facing, and it was an opportune time for a representative body to express itself in 110 uncertain voice. Personal Service. Mr. .1. A. C. Allum said that the movement had not been initiated by any of the three organisations, and it was not connected with an organisation, military or otherwise. But it had been put forward by responsible people, and it was felt that tlie time had arrived when the employing class should make their position clear. One regretted taking part in a matter which anticipated war, but there would be greater regret if they failed in moving to improve what appeared to l*> a serious position of unpreparedness. The Government was. entitled to recognition of what it had done to provide material means of defence. but he ventured the opinion that the Government was out of touch with the question of personal service. He believed that what the public wanted was an opportunity to give personal service, and lie anticipated that there would be little, if any. difficulty in obtaining volunteers for three months' service. Mr. Gainor Jackson said that New Zealand was particularly vulnerable to attack from any nation that held the seas, and they ha<l to realise that they were facing a position of emergency. Mr. G. B. Blackett considered if they were not prepared they might find themselves in the position of the lamb which strayed from the fold, and "the big, bad wolf would not lie far away." If they did n»t prepare they would let Australia down. An adequate, fully-trained land force was essential. Proper Training. Mr. H. W. Shove stressed the need for adequate training for territorials before they met a hostile force. It was necessary to impress on the Government the need for action, as men should have proper training. Long periods of training would be difficult for local concerns, but in national emergency employers would take a wide view. Mr. L. P. Learv considered that the recommendations went the minimum distance, but sufficient for the immediate purpose. Mr. H. O. Wiles strongly urged the need of preparation, and pointed to the tine example set by the women of NewZealand. A committee was set up consisting of Messrs. Ely, Allum and Shove, with power to add to their number, to carry further the decisions arrived at. The National Anthem was sung at the close of the meeting.