DEFENCE SYSTEM
A REPLY TO/CRITICS'
GENERAL YOUNG'S OPINION
Spirited, remarks in defence of the present Territorial systoin were made by Major-General E. Young, G. 0.0. N.Z. Military Forces, last evening, at the ceremony of presenting trophies to artillery units.
He-said, that'ho supposed that the men 'were wondering if. he would be able to say something about the impending changes of-the Defence Forces. They would all be greatly interested as to what was going to happen. He was sorry that he could not say anything, the reason-being that Cabinet had not yet reached a decision, and naturally his lips were, sealed. He had been asked: to save £100,000—a big lump. But ho could assure them that directly he received information he would let them know. He had asked for it before Ist June. Till the decision was known, he hoped they would go 011 with their training in the normal way. There had been a lot of discussion to the effect that the present training was out of date and inefficient. "I want to say this," he said, "that that is all wrong." He referred to the fact that men were going into camp and were giving up a lot of their time and effort, and said that if they thought it was a "dud" show" they could leave.
"I want you to go away from this hall with the conviction that it is all wrong," he said. "We are all Working on modern, up-to-date lines. If anybody comes to you and tells you this-is in inefficient show, you can tell them straight from me that they are 'talking through their hats.* If you men had intensive training for quite a short period I would put you up against any battery from any part of the Empire, or from any other country. I am firmly convinced you, could stand up to.any criticism, and I would stake my reputation as a soldier that you could do it." '
In conclusion, in reference to tho men who were finishing their training:, General Young asked them not to >loso touch with their batteries altogether. He wished, them success in tho future, and hoped that their lives would be bright. ■
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/EP19300522.2.43
Bibliographic details
Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 119, 22 May 1930, Page 8
Word Count
364DEFENCE SYSTEM Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 119, 22 May 1930, Page 8
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