DEMILITARISATION OF N.Z.

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21861, 14 August 1936, Page 18

DEMILITARISATION OF N.Z.

TO r»K IDITOB OF THI FKBM. Sir,—ln “The Press” of Tuesday appears a report of some remarkable statements by Mr G. Lawn, Lecturer in Economics at Canterbury College, which, summarised, are as follows: War is the outcome of fear and too much preparedness. We should abolish it by finding out who is our potential enemy, and cultivate friendly relations by inviting him to reciprocal trade, and to migrate to our country. We know modern psychologists recommend you to remove fears by taking them out and airing them, as they can sometimes be got rid of in this way Still, naming your enemy in. these days through the publicity of the press is not usually conducive to peace. However, as I am not a public personality, and only speak as 80 per cent. Britishers think, I expect it will not be provocative if I mention, in all friendliness, Japan; since we must have a concrete example to apply Mr Lawn’s contentions to. Here is a nation —a people obviously in need of more space and a temperate climate. Are we, in accordance with Mr Lawn’s vision, to approach this remarkably prolific and enterprising nation, and as a suitable gesture to furthering peace, remove trade barriers and invite the Japanese to migrate to New Zealand? What will then become of Mr Savage’s protected workers, who have been given a new Commandment: “Five days shaft thou labour”? Our people have an entirely different standard Of living from the Japanese, with his bowl of rice and unrestricted hours of labour. I disagree with Mr Lawn as to flinging wide our door to an influx of the coloured race, in order to promote the peace we all desire. ' Some there be who suggest we further break down barriers and breed a mongrel race. Away with such unthinkable suggestions. We of good British stock be blood-brothers. And “the man that turns dog on the land of his birth is not to be trusted, for sure.”

It is unfortunate, but true, that you cannot maintain order or the observation of laws, without some force to back your arguments; otherwise, why the Police Force?

I write now, not as a militarist, but as the average sane person who loathes war but believes absolutely in freedom and right of ownership which we now enjoy: and we can only hold our security if we are • prepared to defend it. It is not in accordance with tradition and our British character to look on while other members of our family are being hammered—and declare a policy of neutrality! Mr Lawn is no doubt a great authority on economics, and can serve his country best by helping the Government with balancing the budget; leaving those who have the knowledge to deal with matters of defence and security. I agree with Colonel Holland that young men need hobbies, and that military training is a clean, healthy hobby. So the sooner we reinstate universal training for defence of this land of ours, the better for our race and security.—Yours, etc., M.H.T.

August 11, 1936,