SUPPORT FOR TERRITORIALS

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22519, 29 September 1938, Page 17

SUPPORT FOR TERRITORIALS

FORMATION OF AN ASSOCIATION PROPOSAL CONSIDERED INADEQUATE RECENT INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENTS

A proposal to form a Territorial Association for Canterbury met with general approval at a public meeting held in the City Council Chambers yesterday, but several speakers emphatically declared that the mere formation of such an association, while commendable in ordinary circumstances. was quite inadequate at the present time because of recent developments in the international situation. The Mayor (Mr R. M. Macfarlane) presided, and there was a fair attendance.

Mr W. S. Mac Gibbon, chairman of the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce. which body made the suggestion that the proposal be brought before a public meeting, said that the defence committee of the Chamber oi Commerce had already done much to encourage public co-operation in the establishment and support of the territorial forces. It now felt, however, that the time was ripe when further support should be given to the territorial movement in New Zealand.

“Too Ghastly To Contemplate”

“It behoves everybody to support the territorial movement, especially when the whole Empire is steering for something too ghastly to contemplate,” said Mr Mac Gibbon. “We hope the youth of New Zealand will realise this and that Alters will give them support and recompense them for what service they may give to the Dominion in strengthening its defence forces.”

Mr H. C. Hurst, chairman of the defence committee of the Chamber of Commerce, said that there were active associations in three of the main centres, and in many of the smaller centres. There were two district associations in Canterbury, one at Timaru, and one at Rangiora; but there was no centra] body at Christchurch Surely it was time that this state oi affairs was rectified, he said. Some people had said that a greater objective than a territorial association should he aimed at.

“It is our job to build up our territorial forces to full strength,” he said, “and I think that- business people should be made to realise the need for allowing their staffs facilities for attending military parades, courses, and camps. No sane person in the world to-day wants to see war, and the best way to, prevent it is to be prepared.

In moving the following resolution Mr Hurst said he wanted everybody to understand that it was non-politi-cal:

“That this meeting constitutes itself into the Canterbury Territorial Association for the following objects:—To encourage and assist in recruiting; to encourage employers to grant facilities for men to attend parades, courses, and camps; to raise funds for the purppses of the association: to assist units in

sports and social activities, and ’ generally to help units; to support the territorial force for the time being in existence without regard to policy questions.” The resolution was seconded by Major H. M. Fooler, who acknowledged the assistance the Chamber of Commerce had given to the Defence Department during the last few months. The formation of a territorial association would, he felt, be a great help to the military authorities. Territorial associations were operating in other centres and were doing much to raise the status of the territorials and in enrolling recruits “I think the proposal is too weak,” said Mr J. K. Moloney, who said that the trend of events since the formation of an association was suggested had got out of all proportion “Compulsory Training Necessary” Commenting on the non-political aspect of the proposal, Mr Moloney said that past governments had not taken sufficient interest in defence. While he did not want to criticise the present Government, he would say that the general opinion was that the Dominion should have better defence. A system of compulsory training was most necessary, and he suggested that immediate steps be taken to train enough instructors should any emergency arise It was not generally realised that the Defence Act of 1909 was still in existence, and gave the authorities the right to establish a militia as provided for in the act. Mr C. V. Quigley said that the Dominion was in such a position at present that every man in the country should be called upon for home defence. It should be made quite clear, he said, that in both the territorial force and the militia men would be called upon to serve in New Zealand, and would not be required to go ab’-oad

Mr D. S. Murchison commented on the comparatively small attendance at the meeting. The international situation should be an incentive for people to attend. He favoured conscription, and described the policy of the meeting as being "lukewarm.” The idea of 9000 men to defend New Zealand was laughable, he said. A force of 60,000 would be small enough. Mr K. M. Gresson said the proposal was pathetic in its inadequacy. That the days of soft words and palaver were gone was the opinion of Mr A. L. Emerson. The best solution to peace was to align strength with strength,” he said. .. Major Foster said he appreciated the sentiments expressed; but no public meeting had any-right to convert itself into a government. He contended that it was “beating the air” to try to force any poliev other than what the Government was prepared to pursue. Tht? association could still work to improve the present scheme. Support was giv6n to the proposal for the North Canterbury executive of the Farmers' Union by Mr A. M. Carpenter, of Rangiora. After further discussion, the resolution was carried. Officers Elected The following officers were then elected; —President, Mr H. C. Hurst; executive committee. Sir Robert ClarkHall, Messrs \V. E. S. Furby. A. E Kincaid. H. B. Duckworth, J. S. Barnett. J. Roberts. H. S. Lawrence. J. K Moloney. H. C. Harley. H. D. Acland, R T. McMillan, J. Collins, H. E. Otley, W. L King, J. L. Hay, O. Baker, D. Clive Crozier, W. S. Mac Gibbon, W. R. Lascelles, R. A. Cuthbert, R. H. Livingstone. H. S. Williams, J. G. L. Vernon. V. E. Hamilton. J. Roy Smith, A. M. Carpenter, D. W. Russel], C. V. Quigley, and Major H. M. Foster; advisory committee. Sir R. Heaton Rhodes, Colonel G. J. Smith Colonel P. C.. Fenwick, Colonel R. C. Wickens, Colonel J. Murphy. Messrs Norton Francis, and John Deans.