DEFENCE OF DOMINION

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 256, 23 July 1920, Page 7

DEFENCE OF DOMINION

THE NATIONAL LEAGUE THE OBJECTS EXPLAINED FORMATION OF DISTRICT COUNCIL A public meeting was held in the Dorrtmion Farmers' Institute last night for ine purpose of electing a district council of the National Defence League of New Zealand. Mr. J. P. Firth presided Sver a representative attendance, including a large number of women. r Mr. Firth said the membershio of tho tongue indicated that the members uiought they had a duty to perform to ST6»lato and the promoters of the organisation regarded tho co-operation of women as'absolutely essential to the success of the work. No Militarism, Mr. H. F. von Haast explained the constitution of tho league, and said that the constitution anc\ motto of tho old National Defence Leaguo had been adopted. Mr. von Haast paid a tribute to the work of tho late Captain Arnold Atkinson, who had been a keen advocate •of the compulsory system of military trainins;. By his sacrifice on the field ot oattle", the late Captain Atkinson had proved that if a country was worth living for. it was also worth dying for. Of tno district council of 15, 10 of tho members would be men and'five women. It was hoped to establish councils in each of the Territorial districts. One of the objects of the district council would be to keep members of Parliament up to the' mark and to make them realise that they must support any suggested improvements in tlie present defence system. Practical interest would be taken By. ihe league in -the work of the Territorials. Senior Cadets, and the Boy ocouts. The interests of returned solfliers would also be looked after, as far as the women we're concerned, they would be encouraged to attend camps to see that the Territorials had plenty of goou\ properly-cooked food and healthy recreation. One of the most important £>]ects of the leaguo would bo to seo mat nothing in the way of militarism and military "swank" was introduced into the country, and that'-officers commanding districts were suitable, clean, living men to take charge of troops In time of war, the leaguo would assist In rallying men to Hie call of the Empire. Xhe aims and objects of tho k™ were defined by MnE. Muir (kml general secretary), who stated that do professionally paid soldiers could be Accepted as members of -tlie league. Tho ©ague stood for the Navy as the first line of defence, and aimed at tho provision of a proper air force. The league was non-party and non-political. It was for the citizens, to say whether they approved of any defence policy that might be brought down by whatever Governwent was m power. The league would II? Te r. ? eo tliafc tne military forces of the Dominion were properly equipped with guns, rifles, and munition!?. At the present time there were some people in the country who advocated the abolition ot -all forms of defence, voluntary as well as oampulsory. "Were such a policy onacted and the country attacked, rtll that they; would have with which to repel Hie invaders would bo scythes and pitchforks. ,

A voice: They could pass a resolution. (Laughter.) Continuing, Mr. Muir said that the it ague held that the civilian power must always be supreme, and, for that reason, that recruiting for the Territorials and Senior Cadets- should be taken out of the hands of the Defence Department and placed under the control of a civil department of the State. This would lend to greated Monomy, and there was sufficient precedent in the fact that during the war ballots under the Military' Service Act wero conducted by the Government. Statistician's office. The Defence Department should ,'only assume control of the .Territorials and Senior Cadets after they hnd 'become,incorporated in the defence system. The Influence of Woman. Mrs. M. H. ChatfieJd detailed what' influences could be exerted (by women on the Territorials and Senior Cadets. The league should evince an interest in hoys and girls after they left the schools. At present picture shows were exercising an unwholesome influence, and she thought that by kiting an interest in Territorials and Senior Cadets the youths could be encouraged to follow up edifying pursuits. To this end suitable amusements could be arranged, and proper books and reading matter placed at the disposal of the young men. In the camps the women could do a great d?al _of good by acting as cooks and A.A.D. s, and by arranging wholesome amusements. There were difficulties and prejudices to be overcome, but it was hoped that at no distant 'date they would be able to work in co-operation with the military authorities. Mr. D. M'Laren said that what thoy wasted to instil in the minds of the people was that the State and the individual were organically related. It should be made plain that' individuals were not members of a free Association, but that thoy were nart of a heritage (hat had come down through many generations. The league's objects should be' extended by calling on the people to recognise that .they ehould rcsoond to the call of service. They should encourage the people to have a love of their country, and to be ever ready to serve in its interests.

Mrs. X Preston endorsed what Mrs. Chatficld had said regarding the influence, of women and the training of tho young.

After other speakers had addressed Hie meeting, the District Council was elected as follows:—Mesdamcs ,T. P. I'irth, Walter Bluudoll, W. D. Stewart, E. P. Ttisbwortli, mid Miss Ford, Dr. ,T. S, Elliott, Professor.J. S. Tcrnunt, LieutColonei A. B. Charters, Messrs, A. Gray, K.C., W. H. Denton, D; MXaren, ,T. D. Harper, C. A.. L. Treadweil, E. W. G. Coleridge, and F. M. Renner,