A DOSE OF DISCIPLINE.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1176, 11 July 1911, Page 4

A DOSE OF DISCIPLINE.

FOR A NATION'S GOOD.

Among the guests at tho Zealandia Rifles' dinner last evening was Dr. Borghetti, to whom was entrusted the honour, of proposing "Success to the New Defence Scheme.".. "Nothing could afford mo greater pleasure," he began, "than Co propose this toast, and I will tell you why. It is because I love discipline; because I know that discipline is the primary factor of true national greatness. In fact if we cast a glance on the nations of the world we will see that wherever the citizens of a country have been submitted to compulsory military servico there the spirit of discipline is strong, not only in the Army, but also in tho family, in the school, in all departments of the social life and even in the belief of a Supreme Being, God. You will agreo with me that these are the very conditions' which make for national greatness. On account of its insularity New Zealand has been slow in organising ils national defence, the idea prevailing among people bcini that, there was no need of it. "That is why," continued Dr. Borghetti, "Clio spirit of discipline in all departments of life has been decaying with us. The new defence scheme, by appealing to tho high instinct of national defence, may restore that discipline where it is wanted, thus leading- this little community from individualism Co nationalism. Nationalism means national efficiency and that efficiency is obtained only when the very best are afforded an opportunity to climb to tho top, not only in the Army, but in all departments of life, against the tendency to nepotism, to patronage, and to favouritism, which are the evils of individualism. If there is anything that can counteract the tendency to foster self-interest at the expense.of the public good it is compulsory military service. Let me hope that from this reform all tho good will follow which 1 wish for New Zealand, namely, a of discipline leading to national greatness."