LAND DEFENCE

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 7, 8 July 1938, Page 6

LAND DEFENCE

FORMATION OF ARMY

CHRISTCHURCH SUGGESTION

(By Telegraph—Press Association.)

CHRISTCHURCH, July 7,

A proposal that young men should be taken from Public Works camps to form a "standing army" of 1000 men in each main centre may be placed before the defence authorities! by the defence committee of the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce.

The proposal was made to the council of the chamber this evening by Mr. H. S. Williams, who said he considered the chamber was not going far enough in proposing the formation of a Christchurch association to assist in developing a land defence policy. He asserted that young men would be "far better" in military training.

Presenting the defence committee's report, Mr. H. C. Hurst said that the Royal New Zealand Air Force and the New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy had men from overseas in control. "It is time we had something similar for the land forces. Then we might get something done," he* said.

A resolution which will be forwarded to the Minister of Defence (the Hon. F. Jones) was adopted as follows: "That this chamber commends the interest now being shown in the defence forces of this country, but views with concern the apparent weakness of land defence forces. The chamber is of opinion that an association should be in Christchurch for the purpose of assisting the Government in furthering its policy for the land defence force by (1) cooperating with the military authorities in endeavouring to free men from their civilian employment to attend parades and camp training; (2) encouraging young men to offer their service in units of local military forces; (3) fostering the interest of the general public in military units raised in this district. Further, this chamber pledges its full support to. such an association and instructs its defence subcommittee to consider this matter/ with power to act." PRESENT, POSITION. The present "standing army" of New Zealand consisted of 342 men, said Mr. Williams. Every possible body should urge on the Government the need for action to improve the land defences. "New Zealand is lagging behind the rest of the British Empire and it is time the .Goverment did something," he said. "We have got to admit that our Territorial system is a failure. Certainly the Government is offering greater attractions than ever before, but young men won't come forward." It was regrettable to see thousands of young men in Public Works camps who would be far better off morally and physically in military service.

•"We want a standing army of 1000 men in each centre," he said. "We don't want more taxation, but this is necessary. If we could take 4000 men from Public Works camps arid form an army they would be far better employed." '

After some discussion among Mr. Hurst, the chairman, Mr. W.S. Macgibbon, and Mr. Williams on whether Mr. Williams's proposal was in order as a speech to the original motion, it was decided to leave it to the defence committee to take the proposal up with the defence authorities. ; ;