DEFENCE POLICY

Evening Post, Volume CXXV, Issue 70, 24 March 1938, Page 10

DEFENCE POLICY

PUBLIC MEETING TONIGHT

CITIZENS URGED TO ATTEND

Is public opinion in New Zealand seriously concerned about the defence question, or is it prepared to allow things to drift until a crisis arises when it may be too late and they will have to pay the price? The answer to this question will be supplied by the size and character of the audience at the public meeting which will be held in the Town Hall tonight, commencing at 8 o'clock. The meeting has been convened by the Wellington branch of the New Zealand Defence League, and it is pointed out that if the attendance is small the movement for more adequate provision being made for the protection of the country must suffer in proportion. It is urged, therefore, that all citizens who have the best interests of the country at heart should make a special effort to be present. ■ j

That there is urgent necessity for further steps being taken, is evidenced, unfortunately, in the state of Europe today, where all nations are engaged in an unprecedented race for armaments, and also in Asia, where no one can predict what will be the outcome- of the present hostilities. That Australia is taking the issue seriously is apparent in her decision to spend an additional £35,000,000 in defence measures during the next few years, and the question is now being asked: "What does New Zealand propose to do?"

In accordance with the policy of the Defence League tonight's meeting will be strictly non-party political, the object being to strengthen the hands of the Government in making adequate provision for the defence of the country.

The Mayor of Wellington, Mr. T, C. A. Hislop, will preside, and an address will be delivered by the Hon. W. Perry, M.L.C., Dominion president of the league, reviewing the present situation and what has led up to it.

The Port Nicholson Silver Band will play selections in the Town Hall from 7.30 p.m.