DEFENCE PROBLEMS.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 253, 18 July 1908, Page 11

DEFENCE PROBLEMS.

A CITIZEN ARMY FOR NEW ZEALAND. Under the auspices of the Wellington branch of the Liberal and Labour Federa- ' tion, Mr. 'Glanville Hicks - delivered an interesting address at Godber's Rooms last evening on "New Zealand's Defence Problems." In.his opening remarks the speaker, disclaimed any. knowledge of, military or naval affairs, but claimed that pride of race and spirit of devotion to his coun- , try, which was the birthright of. everyr member of the British Empire. It was this in- ' stinct which made him realise the gravity, of Now Zealand's. condition in the inadequacy of her defence provisions. The lecturer went exhaustively into tba matter of "our defensive improvidence;" and, wliilo eulogising the volunteer system: as. at . present operating,-declared that it was so totally out of proportion to. our needs as to amount to' a mere tinkering with the gravest problem of our times.. Ho, de- ~ clared that, every added prosperous enterprise mado New Zealand, with' Australia, ail " improved prize for'tho Orient hordes.' On the question of the naval subsidy Mr. .Hicks - • declared' himself , stoutly against the . proposed increase.. '' He thought that our local ■ defence authorities were more capable' of judiciously' expending the money than the Home authorities- . -The money meant a good .deal;in setting up new defences, while when sent Home it did not amount to a weekly, coat of paint for the navy.' • ' : Tho lecturer declared himself a 1 zealot - for . the formation 'of a citizen army, and believed it very possible that Parliament - was moving behind the people in, this respect. The- Government declared that tho Dominion was "not yet ripe for compulsory military service." The lecturer considered that that very statement implied tho gravity of our situation. If tho Dominion was ' not ripe, then it was the duty of the Government to tnako the national atmosphere so hot on this ■ matter that the Dominion should'become, tho forcing house for its own«adequate defensive provisions. Mr. Hicks outlined a suggested schomo for annual military training of all adults, and elaborated his defence suggestions. . A hearty vote' of thanks was passed to Mr. Hicks.