Deputation Puts Case For Cadets

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32349, 15 July 1970, Page 32

Deputation Puts Case For Cadets

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, July 14.

Opposition to the Government’s proposals to drop financial support for non-regular cadet forces of the three armed services was recorded by five organisations when a deputation met the Prime Minister (Sir Keith Holyoake) this afternoon.

The deputation was headed by the president of the Returned Services’ Association (Sir Hamilton Mitchell) and also represented the Navy League, Air Force Association, Ex-Prisoners of War Association and Homeservicemen’s Association.

Presenting submissions. Sir Hamilton Mitchell said that the corps should remain- in being “not only to the present ceiling, but to the extent of the demand," and that it should continue to be administered within the Defence Department structure but be supported from Gov-

ernment funds outside the defence vote. He said later that the Prime Minister had told the deputation that the representations were reasonable, not exaggerated, and would be considered. “He was made fully aware of the interest that is being displayed in this matter throughout the country,” Sir Hamilton Mitchell said. “We were given a good, fair and patient hearing.” The R.S.A. president said Sir Keith Holyoake had given no indication of when a Government decision might be reached.