VIGILANCE.

Evening Post, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 76, 29 March 1912, Page 2

VIGILANCE.

MILI TARY TRAINING. SOME OBJECTIONS ANSWERED. CASE FOR THE CHAPLAINS. The United Men and Women's Public Committee Supporting Universal Military Training met at the Town Hall last evening. Tho chair was occupied by Colonel Humo. Tho annual report and balance-sheet (which have already been published in the Evening Post) were adopted. Apologias were received from the Hon. Dr. Collins and the Hon. R. M'Nab and. several clergymen unable to be present sympathising with the movement. They were the Revs. E. 0. Blamires, W. Shirer, and J. Ward; also, Mre. A. R. Atkinson. The chairman explained the object of tli« society — viz., a vigilance, rather than a suggestive, committee, setting out its strong belief in universal military service. He also described the communication to the industrial societies. The movement, had received a great impetus from tlw officers appointed to administer the defence scheme. As for the weekly camps, some 10,000 men had passed through, them, with most satisfactory results to the men themselves. Them were, of course, a few people who were "agin' everything." These would, he believed, in time be converted. They hod no'larrikiniem in New "Zealand like that in Australia, yet these camps and the training were a wholesomo corrective to that, kind of thing. It was all' very well to say that all men. needed to know was how to ride and shoot, but to send into trouble a body of men who could do nothing else was to court certain disaster. He regretted that the hon. secretary (Mr. Atkinson) had found it necessary to resign oil account of piessure of business. TRAINING THE YOUNG MEN. Hon. R. A. Loughnan moved :— "This meeting views with the greatest pleasure the public declaration of Sir Joseph Ward at Trentham that with the exception of an odd person here and there, there was a strong feeling amongst th« Eeople of the Dominion that one of our rst duties was that we should be in a position to - defend our, country, if, unhappily, such a necessity should arise. It was by a spirit of co-operation and by sinking minor differences, and by realising that we were not playing with defence, that the question should he faced, so that if a time of trial came we would net bo behindhand in the education and training of our young men. And it assures the Government of the meeting's cordial assistance in the carrying out of the scheme. The meeting desires to record ite sense of obligation for the services rendered in the support of the present system by the press ever since the beginning of the movement in favour of compulsory training." He expressed the pleasure he felt at moving the motion, and the groat honour he felt in being associated with the movement. Sir Joseph Ward had hit off with consummate ability the objections raised against tho defence system. To the soldiers who had come out to New Zealand the success of the system was entirely due. He referred to the development of tho system and the rapid growth of public opinion in' its favour. There were a few malcontents who would not 6erve their country, but the large number of men who had been rejected a* medically unfit were coming forward and insisting that they should thus give a direct answer to the minority of malcontents, who were growing smaller every day. The Boere had the net of compulsory service -thrown o,ver them all, boys and grandfathers. There .were, too, the men who were medically rejected in New Zealand who went to South Airica independently, and there took service with credit to themselves. It m a question whether Parliament will not have to amend the regulations bo that the medical examination for service shall be modified, and men rejected for laok of sufficient teeth or weakness in the legs shall be utilised in the defence of their country. Mr. Loughnan noted with satisfaction the military authorities' intention to utilise men in the rifle clubs who would otherwise not serve in the Territorial force as the younger men would serve. He could see nothing tenable in the conscientious objection to compulsory military service, which was in force among the Greeks and Romans, ' and was also clearly referred to in the Book of Numbers. The conscientious objection was not only untenable, but illogical. The conscientious objection would surely not hold good in the case of a barbarous enemy who would slaughter women and children. Tho compulsory military »ystem did not involve service outside New Zealand, but home defence. It was absurd to say that there was no danger and no likelihood of it.' The American Civil War and that of the Russo-Japa-nese War refuted tha,t idea. The military class of Germany nearly precipitated a wat 6ver the Moroccan question in order to divert public attention from domestic affairs — a contingency that was by no means remote. They' must hot rely' too much upon civilisation and Christianity to prevent Wars. Troops could bo most | rapidly mobilised to-day. The Japanese Government could easily send 200,000 across the Pacific with great rapidity, and the Germans could act with similar promptitude in regard to "New York. Then could they alwayß guarantee that Britain could always hold command of the sea. It was possible that she could not. Therefore, it was vitally necessary to protect themselves, and he urged the society and all wellwishers of the country to frustrate any attempt made to minimise the penal clauses of the Act. THE CHAPLAINS. Ml>. J. P. litik* said the responsibility of home defence was thrown upon New Zealand, which few of them could recognise at the present time. He referred particularly to the portentous fact that China was reorganising on Western lines. The defence system was hailed by him with all delight, and the way in which General Godley wan carrying it out commanded the admiration «£ all. The young men who had gone to tho cairips were full of praise lor the way they were carried on. The system inculcated. the_ spirit of discipline in young men, which gave out consideration of the rights of.othera, while maintaining one's own self-respect. The system, too, would break down class distinction. He agreed with Colonel Belle objection to military trappings, but regretted that officer's remarks in regard to chaplains. They were ill-advised and badly put at thus particular juncture, and they did not do him credit. It would be a matter for the greatest regret if the churches sympathy wei'e alienated, as they might be if Colonel Bell's wishes were given effect to. He seconded the motion, which wa* carried. INTERFERENCE WITH THE LAW. Mr. W. Eraser, M.P., referred to the enthusiasm with which the defence system was taken up in the country. The recent nineteen ramps held, attended by 7000 men. had been in every case extremely satisfactory, and tho conduct of the men most exemplary. Men from whom tho most trouble was at first ex* pected had turned out the beat and most willing workeis. They were sorry when the time cam* for them to go bom*. This wub owing to the fact that an excellent I'hoU'u had been mad? of * couimauduut and the officer* with him.

Tt was not tho work alone that had been done, but the manner in which it had been dtwje — the display of consummate ttict that accounted for success. Those who were trying to create trouble in regard to compulsory training were vory few in number, »but it would not do for tho believers in the system to rest on thei? oars. Surely if the country was worth -living in it "was we'rth fighting for.; then let those who believed this have a fighting chance and be trained for it. It , wae^ a duty that young men, owed to them- B -elves and to their country. Ho inovenV— " That this meeting desires to record its appreciation of the ungrudging work done by the Common Idant. the New Zealand Staff Corps of Officere, tho N.C.O.'a of tho Permanent Staff, and the officers, N.C.O.'s, and men of the ' Territorial Forces in the inauguration of tho new defence scheme. The keenness to tak» part in tho training of practically all who have been called upon (ani of many who have not) and the decision of the Commandant to accept the services of all who have offered' (even though not called) are mott gratifying to all those who wish well to tho preAenfc system. This meeting, whilst regretting that it should be necessary to punish any young men for not observing the Defence Act. views with great alarm any interference by the Executive with the course of the law, but is quite prepated to consider any alternative form of punishment that will act as a, practical deterrent. The meeting believes that the overwhelming majority of tho public of Now Zealand are united' in support of tb» Government in the carrying out of the new scheme." Mr. Fraser warmly commended Sir Joseph Ward for his action in' bringing the A defenee system into being. Mrs. P. C. Freeth seconded the motion, which, was carried unanimously. Mr. A. R. Atkinson suggested that so long as, the law was maintained he believed they would' prefer to see the prison deterrent varied. They did not wish to be vindictive. He thought a deputation should wait upon the Minister of .Defence, when there wa* one, and lay ite views on this question before him. OFFICERS APPOINTED. The following officers' were appointed : Committee — Me*latnes A. R. Atkinson, J. P. Firth, P. C. Freeth, M. J. Reardon, Colonel Hume, the Hon. R. A. Loughnan, Messrs. Fraser, M.P., -J. P. Luke, A. R. Atkinson, J. G. W. Dalryraple, S. A. Atkinson, with power to add. Mr. Hume was appointed secretary. Mr. Dalrymple also spoke pointing out the greftt advantages of physical training.