Defence Of New Zealand

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 204, 26 May 1938, Page 13

Defence Of New Zealand

Sir —What have we as young men to look forward to as regards the security of our country in the event of war. There has been no war since 1918 embroiling the British Empire, and from then till now we have been spending our youth educating ourselves in the ways ot our elders so that we may carry on the affairs of our country when our shoulders are broad enough and the torch is handed on. We now understand the systems which have been manufactured, and built upon through the ages by our forefathers and we have a good grasp of human nature together with its temptations. Identities are being established by us in readiness to take over the reins when our turn comes to guide the destinies ot our country, but we will ever appreciate the words of experience, hoivever conservative. from those ahead of us. To-dav we find ourselves still young, in a world‘of unrest once more. A changed world a world which our parents in 1914 would' perhaps have dreamt ot with no thought of materialisation, a world which is full of foreboding. Can we still look *o our elders for that spirited leadership which not so long ago built an Empire? , t . . Can we still. with absolute resoluteness, follow them as soldiers of Christianity and democracy? . 'Can we find a leadership in which we can place implicit faith provided we on our behalf do our utmost? Our achievements lire still to come, and ns the scroll of history enfolds its pages we in our turn will print our names upon it. names which will be memorial of, our enterprise in democracy and our unyielding faith in one another. And yet. though still looking to the future. we in accordance are mindful of the present and we look to our country’s security in a time of world crisis. We look to some concerted action on the part of our present leaders to investigate and organise without delay adequate menus for the protection of this country as a part of tlie British Empire and as a pillar of democratic integrity. We sincerely believe that there may come a time, perhaps in a matter of weeks or months, when we shall be called upon to defend this- country, and I. with, firsthand experience and knowledge ot the New Zealand Territorial Forces, vouch for their inefficiency and inadequacy. We resolutelv believe that we can defend our country if and when proper facilities for training in modern warfare are extended to all. We lack support from our leaders in government. Does this mean a decline in morale of our elders? It so we must take the reins now.-l “‘"j NEILSON . Haumoaua, May 2J.