R.S.A. Urges Compulsory Military Training

Press, Volume C, Issue 29540, 15 June 1961, Page 17

R.S.A. Urges Compulsory Military Training

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, June 14. The Dominion Council of the New Zealand Returned Services Association today urged the Government to bring the Regular forces up to establishment forthwith. The council also unanimously reaffirmed its policy that there be compulsory universal national service for war and compulsory military training in times of peace. In addition, the council expressed the opinion that the defence of New Zealand required the maintenance of adequate regular forces in each service, and that such regular forces be backed by territorial forces to provide the necessary immediate expansion. Criticism of Pensions The council was critical of the Government for its failure to increase the basic war pension. The R.S.A. wanted the pension increased from the present £4 10s a week to £5 a week. “A reasonable basic pension is the foundation of our

pensions system.” the chairman of the councils pensions sub-committee (Mr J C. White) said in commenting on the Government's failure to meet the association's claims. Defence White Paper A resolution passed by the council called on the Government to publish a White Paper on defence. The resolution said: "That the Government publish in the immediate future a White Paper on defence, including both our treaty obligations and home defence.” The resolution was adopted as the association's current policy.