Defence of New Zealand

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 221, 15 June 1936, Page 2

Defence of New Zealand

Sir, —Until two years or so ago I was a red-hot Tory, but like many thousands more "fed-ups'’ 1 supported the Labour Party at the last elections, and I wish to congratulate it on the manner in which it is carrying out its programme ot improvement in conditions for the working man and small business man. There is, however, one matter it is sadly behind in, and that is the important matter of defence. I have noticed with amused interest the reports in the papers of . the installation of anti-aircraft guns at strategic points, but of what use are these against an invading force, landing, say, at Porirua Harbour, if they are not backed by a trained force? We may just: as well send out H.M.S. Wellington against half a dozen battleships. How many of our young men up to the age of 26 could take the field as infantry, let alone in the more highly specialised but most essential branches of the fighting forces, such as the machine-gunners or artillery, without from three to six months’ solid training? It would take at least 12 months to train the raw recruits to the standard required under our old system of one night per week, with a few week-end parades and one fortnight in camp, so with the way international affairs appear to be shaping it is essential for us to make an immediate start.

I would suggest that a competent committee be set up to bring down a comprehensive scheme to Parliament when it meets in July,-covering the following:— (1) -Compulsory military training _ for males between the age of 14 and 26. (2) Formation of officers’ training corps. (3) Changing of single men’s relief camps to camps of a semi-military nature. (4) The urgent provision of a sufficiency of modern arms and equipment, including tanks, not only to train but to equip an expeditionary force. (5) The organisation aud training of females in the various subsidiary units for which they are most suited. (6) Training of children in anti-gas measures. (7) The immediate erection of munition factories. (8) Nationalisation of all industries in time of war.

The utter failure of the League of Nations to control an aggressor and save a small member of the League from invasion and conquest has proved to the authorities at Home. the. necessity of rearming as quickly aud effectively, as possible. Are we then going to be dependent on others to protect us, should the need arise, or are we going to do our bit toward helping ourselves and our brother Britons throughout the.world? In conclusion, I would like to state that I am not an octogenarian or a war crank; I lost two brothers in the last war, but was too young to go myself, and 1 am prepared to do my bit and join up ami serve in any capacity that the authorities will have "me.—l am, etc., PRO PATRIA. Wellington, June 12.