MECHANIZED DEFENCE METHODS

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 160, 1 April 1939, Page 13

MECHANIZED DEFENCE METHODS

Value Of Public Works Men

READY TO RESPOND TO CALL TO ARMS

By Telegraph—Press Association,

AUCKLAND, March 31

"1 have all the faith in the world that Hie 2-1,000 men engaged oil public works iu the Dominion will respond to the call to arms in the event of Hie British nation being in conflict with a foreign power without (he Government resorting to coercion or conscription.” This statement was made by Hie Minister of Public Works, Mr. Semple, this morning on arrival from Wellington.

He was reviewing the work of bis department in relation to modern roadmaking and other equipment aud said lie had every confidence Hull: the New Zealander, if the occasion arose and he had the equipment, would fight with an ability equal to any soldier in the world." He will be fighting for something worth while, his own country. New Zealand.” added Mr. Semple.

The Minister said there was something more in modern defence methods titan dressing a man in khaki and making him form fours. The army had become largely mechanized the world over and New Zealand in its public works equipment: had machines to build roads rapidly, to transport men from place to place, to build trenches and forts overnight and to carry out many other necessary works. “In the event of war the 24,000 men employed by the Public Works Department who are trained in the use of modern equipment would make one of the most effective units for the internal defence system of the country,” said the Minister. “There is no doubt that they would be used for that purpose if the occasion arose and they could be mobilized at the shortest possible notice. The mon on the jobs have been talked to on this question ahd all are willing and ready to do their part at a moment’s notice.”

Mr. Semple said the Government was building military aerodromes as fast or faster than any country in the world, as it was recognized that the air force was New Zealand’s first line of defence.