THE DOMINIONS DEFENCES

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22414, 30 May 1938, Page 8

THE DOMINIONS DEFENCES

EXCEPTION TAKEN TO CRITICISMS encouraging young MEN PUBLIC SUPPORT URGED BY COLONEL P. H. BELL ft Exception to criticisms of New Zealand’s defence programme fay people writing to the newspaper* “without real knowledge.” was taken by-Colonel P. H. Bell Omcer Commanding the Southern Military District, when be replied to a toast at tbe g-wnmual reunion of the Veterans’ Association on Saturday evening. Sucb criticism, be said, was disheartening to the young men of the country, who were as willing as ever to do their part in the defence of the Dominion. "What I really want to do is to c 3 v something 'about the army.” said Colonel Bell "and I am very glad to be speaking to men of your discretion and experience. There has been'a great deal of criticism of the wav in which the New Zealand forces are being reorganised. Everyone seems to know what the cotmtrv needs. But it must be remembered that the reorganisation programme was framed after very great consideration by the Government, after taking the best advice obtainable in New Zealand and in the Mother Country.” It might be that after further experience the authorities might conclude that something different from the present programme was needed. But reasonable man would give the present plans a chance before criticising. “It is my conviction that ultimately we shall produce a very good show,” Colonel Bell continued. “AH the young men in this country want to know is that they are wanted. When that is clearly shown to them they will come in. When one finds people writing to the newspapers and criticising, without real know- ■ ledge, it disheartens the young men. But if the young men knew that the whole country, with the Government behind it wanted a defence force, they would do their part. The young men are as good as ever.”