NATIONAL DEFENCE.

Press, Volume LVI, Issue 16882, 9 July 1920, Page 3

CrENSRAL RUSSELL'S ADVICE,

(rnEss association telegram.)

WELLINGTON - , July 3. I General Sir Andrew Russell attended the United Council of Agriculture today, and explained tho objects of tho National Defence League of New Zealand. Ho stated that the Leagu© agreed that the Navy was the first lino of defence, without which the Empire could not exist, but it was not merelv enough to havo a strong narv. New Zealanders must be prepared themselves to act in the time of need. Defence was a matter of insurance, not of aggression and there was no idea of aggression, in tho mind of the League. It was impossible to produce a sufficient defence force, naval, territorial, and air, without money. He doubted whether it could be done under three-quarters of a million of money—a day and a half or two dav.s' work' per head of tho population. l s ho bulk of tho money would be spent in the country, and a thoroughly good system of training, covering all the practical points from a civic point of view, would be all to the benefit of the people, and a ecrtain amount of good j might be dene in territorial camps by some form of civic instruction. The people would learn to work under skilful organisation and towards the common aim, as industrial development advanced. Sir Andrew Russell was heartily thanked for his address.