DEFENCE-AND DISCIPLINE

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 31, 5 August 1930, Page 8

DEFENCE-AND DISCIPLINE

(To the Editor.)

Sir,—We have heard a good deal—far too muck in my humble opinion—o£ objections raised by staff and Territorial officers against the reduction proposed by the United Government in the matter of military expenditure. The Prime Minister in a most courageous and honest manner, submitted the financial position of the Dominion to the general public, and surely no one will be so bold as to controvert these figures and statements, based on cold (and doubtless unpalatable) facts placed* before him by his" most responsible officers. Is hp to turn a deaf ear to the'urgent demands for economy in general administration and a blind eye to an economic position that is facing not only New Zealand but almost every country in the world? The Hon Mr. Forbes would not be worthy of the confidence of the people if he so acted, and would be deliberately robbing the Dominion of the high reputation it has -worthily won in the financial world.Economy in public expenditure is urgently, needed at the present time, and the Defence vote must, of necessity, share in the reductions essential to careful, honest, _ efficient, and confidence-inspiring administration. As to the present agitation and the clap-trap talked of "defence beui<* above party," one hns only to note where the protests are coming from, and who are responsible for them, to realise that "Reformers" and Reform supporters are making this defence business a political ' stalking horse" so that they may o-ain unmerited publicity. The- employment of a paid organiser to form branches of a socalled Defence League was a tactical blunder.

The military training of Cadets from 14 to Z8 years of age is unnecessary and should be abolished for ever in New Zealand; physical training is all they need at that period of life. As to the Territorial training, it could be simplified without losing any of its efficiency, and thus be made much less expensive to the country. With all its vaunted advantages and wonderful effect upon the New Zealand youth (it .teaches them discipline, obedience, and manliness, it is contended), this self-same training has evidently not made much impression on many of the protesting officers who have shown neither discipline, obedience, nor true loyalty, but a lamentable ignorance of the very conditions under which they-hold their commissions. What will they think, say, or <lo if, in the future, the rankers adopt the same contumaceous attitude to their orders as they

(the officers) are evincing at present? What ix sauce for the goose is surely sauce for the gander! My earnest advice to officers of high rank down to the modest "one pipper" is to set a good example in discipline, cense "grousing," and study more closely tlie KING'S REGULATIONS.

2nd August,