Mr Holyoake Deplores New Defence Policy

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28542, 22 March 1958, Page 12

Mr Holyoake Deplores New Defence Policy

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, March 21. The Leader of the Opposition (Mr Holyoake) today criticised the Government’s intention of abolishing compulsory military training. “Apart from the question of impaired efficiency over the course of years, it is morally wrong that the burden of defence is to fall only on the present reservists, despite increasing age and increased family responsibilities. Others who should be coming forward in their turn are to be denied the benefit of basic training in defence. It is not surprising that reservists and parents, and our people generally, are seriously disturbed at the unfairness and discrimination of the Government’s proposals,” he said.

“The Government. to date has been clear on only one aspect of their policy—the abolition of compulsory military training. What is to take its place has, however, been announced only in a vague and general way, and clarification is urgently needed.

“Political considerations should not enter into this matter, which is of major national importance. “The first duty of any Government is to maintain the security of the country. The LabouY Government, for political reasons, does not intend to do this. Its failure to shoulder its responsibilities is deserving of the severest censure,” said Mr Holyoake.

Mr Holyoake said an Opposition caucus resolution calling for a continuation of the National Government’s revised scheme of compulsory military training had been forwarded to the Government. i

A statement by the ActingPrime Minister (Mr Skinner), included in the 9 o’clock news broadcast from the national sta-

tions last night, was a reply to the caucus resolution, said Mr Holyoake. But, he said, in this statement no reference was made to the points raised by the Opposition.

“I am gravely disturbed by this suppression of Opposition views. The Opposition and the listening public generally are entitled to know whether this one-sided presentation is deliberate policy. Is this to be the pattern for the future? If the Broadcasting Service is to publicise only statements favourable to the political party in office, then at least this should be so stated, so that the public can make due allowance for political bias in radio programmes,” said Mr Holyoake.