Sandhurst And Duntroon

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29339, 19 October 1960, Page 11

Sandhurst And Duntroon

Sir, —The prize-winning successes of young New Zealanders at Duntroon and Sandhurst, referred to in “The Press,” are undoubtedly worthy of acclaim;

as, too, one might Observe, are their corresponding achievements at the RAF colleges in England. We all know the type, an exceptional one by any standards; and if there is such an institution as a services museum in this country,, an appropriate exhibit might be a roll of honour recording the distinctions won by these future leaders of the New Zealand forces. Is it really true, however, that at Sandhurst, during the “passing out” celebrations, when the dance music stops at midnight, fair hands pin the insignia of a “lieutenant” on the “epaulettes” of the graduates? From what one knew of the old RM.C., though romance was certainly not lacking on such occasions. it did not invade the realms of military ceremonial. — Yours, etc., ILAM. October 18, 1960. British Labour Party Sir, —The impression of the British Labour Party’s decision on unilateral nuclear disarmament given by the “New Statesman” of October 8, is quite different from that given by your editorial of October 7. The picture is not of Mr Gaitskell and a reluctant Labour Party being dragged behind the block vote of a big trade union, but of Mr Gaitskell largely alienated from his membership losing some of the block votes which prepped him. This makes sense when we think of the increasing thousands in the Aldermaston and other marches. The decision, however, is not “pacifist.” It argues realistically that, since Britain’s few nuclear weapons have no important influence on the arms policy of the giants, U.S.A, and U.S.S.R., Britain is safer without nuclear weapons and bases. “Is it not absurd for Britain, the most vulnerable spot in the world, to present itself as a target?”—Yours, etc, ELSIE LOCKE. October 18, 1960.