THE DEFENCE PROBLEM.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 506, 13 May 1909, Page 8

THE DEFENCE PROBLEM.

9 —— • VIEWS OF BUSINESS MEN. THE GOVERNMENT'S INTENTIONS. (BY ' ISLCattAriI—PI'FSM • A39OCUTIOH.I Chrlstchurch, May 12. A deputation was introduced to tho Premier to-day on the subject of tho amendment of the regulations regarding rifle clubs in tho direction of permitting their formation : in cities. ; Mr. E. 0. Brown (D.1.0.) and Mr. Owen, of Strango and Co., .wero tho principal speakers. Members of the proposed city rifle clubs wero willing to give one night per month to drill and one day per annum for field-service in add.tion to perfecting themselves in the use of : the rifle. This was, Mr. Owen -pointed out, assuming that the compulsory military training scheme did not materialise. . ' ",. " > ' Sir Joseph Ward asked whether, in the event of a scheme of compulsory training being introduced, employers would'be willing to boar half' the. expense caused by, the withdrawal- of men from their occupation; the State paying the' other half. They could not blink the- fact ■ that compulsory training meant a very great burden on someone. He proposed to/submit next session, on behalf of the Government, proposals regarding the internal defence of the Dominion, and was prepared to go a considerable distance, but not so far as.some urged.in connection with compulsory military training. He had asked some employers if they were prepared to al-. low. their employees .to .attend training camps,: and they had stated that they wore •prepared to do so-if the country footed the bill.'' : ' ''' : . Mr. Owen said that business men could not be expected to go so far as to/shut up their businesses for one month, v : Mr. Brown said . that though , employers might .be able to allow their employees four weeks at . different periods in the year,'they could 1 not give them;a month off on end for military training. , Sir.Jo6oph Ward said he-would give their representatiCns-the fullest'consideration.. He ,strongly favoured'rifle club's cirried outunder propor conditions.'' Until; thfe'- Government's proposals with - regard to the/Dominion's internal; defence .were submitted,.he did. not ,thi6k he could anticipate matter's by granting the request of the deputation. •