NEW ZEALAND'S DUTY

Ellesmere Guardian, Volume LX, Issue 25, 31 March 1939, Page 6

NEW ZEALAND'S DUTY

NEED TO BECOME DEFENCE-

MINDED

ITS IMPORTANCE EMPHASISED

That New Zealandera should take more interest in the defence of their country and see that it was brought up-to-date and made adequate, was the opinion expressed by Mr A. N. Grigg, M.P., when speaking at the opening of the bazaar at Doyleston yesterday afternoon. He had been speaking of the spirit of independence and enterprise shown by the people of the district and'went on to remark that there was another and a far more serious matter where the people of New Zealand could show more independence and enterprise and that was in the matter of defence. Up to the present, this dominion had been absolutely dependent on Great Britain for defence, although in the last war New Zealand had been able to give some assistance. Today, however, the position had changed and Mr Chamberlain, as well as other British statesmen had stated that if the Empire were involved in war again, the Dominions and colonies would not be able to lean'on England as in the past, but would have to stand on their own feet. Mr Grigg said that he wanted the people to keep that thought in their minds and to think over it—to become defenceminded and do what they could to help. He pointed out that defence was not a political matter, it was above politics and it was up to the people to get behind the Government and see that all that was necessary for adequate defence was done. New Zealand was now of age and it was up to it to show that it was a strong and useful son, not only able to help itself, but to defend itself.