DEFENCE LEAGUE

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 132, 7 June 1939, Page 12

DEFENCE LEAGUE

DOMINION CONFERENCE

SUPPORT FOR GOVERNMENT

MUCH WORK TO DO

The first annual conference of the New Zealand Defence League was opened in the Accountants' Chambers this morning, when some 60 delegates were present representing over 100 branches. The Hon. W. Perry, M.L.C., presided, and had associated with him on his right Major-General Sir Andrew Russell, Dominion patron, who on his arrival, was greeted with musical honours and cheers.

The chairman extended a very hearty welcome to the delegates and especially to those who had come from a long distance in order to attend the conference. "BECOMING DEFENCE-MINDED." Referring to the international situation, Mr. Perry said that as they were all-aware this was still bad. Only two days ago Herr Hitler had hurled defiance at the Western Powers and the democracies. An endeavour was now being made to form an anti-aggression bloc. Russia at the present moment did not appear to be very enthusiastic about the matter. She apparently was at the cross roads, and so was Japan. During the past few months there was some evidence that New Zealand was becoming "defence minded." The most important development had been the broadcast address delivered by the Prime Minister on May 22, on the subject of the Government's defence policy. On that occasion Mr. Savage had delivered a splendid address and had done a splendid job. That-was agreed to by all sections of opinion throughout New Zealand. The Prime Minister's appeal for a National Reserve deserved an excellent response, and they could only regret that this to date had been most disappointing. The Prime Minister, in his address, said: "This country may have to be defended, and soon. It is supremely worth defending. It can be defended, and if attacked (as it may be) it is going to be defended. ... To do that the men must be trained." In saying that Mr. Savage had said what the Defence League had been saying since its inception. The Prime Minister also stated: "The defence of New Zealand is not a party matter. It is the duty of all. Herein none are for the party but all for the State." In saying that the Prime Minister had also said what the Defence League had been saying from its inception. In support of the Prime Minister the league had urged the manhood of New Zealand to respond, and it was not to the credit of New Zealand that it had not done so in adequate numbers to date. It was evident when this was the case that there was a great deal for the Defence League to do in educating public opinion up to the point of establishing an efficient and effective defence force. THE LEAGUE'S OBJECTIVE. Up to the present moment, said Mr. Perry, the league had only achieved a small part of its objective, and it still had a long way to go. His own view was that while the Government had proclaimed its opposition to compulsory military training and the compilation of a national register, both of which objects the league advocated, the league, while still believing that these measures were the best that could be adopted, should do everything possible to help the Government in the attainment of its policy. By that means they would be doing at least something. They should therefore all get behind the appeal of the Prime Minister to establish the increased number of Territorials and the reserve he asked for. If the Government's efforts and the league's efforts failed in achieving this there could then be no other answer than to give effect to the league's policy. (Applause.) The organiser, Mr. Eric Reeves, read a comprehensive report of his activities since his appointment ,in September last. There was then, he said, only one active branch in existence. Now there were over 100 branches, with a total membership of over 20,000. During the past three months Sir Andrew Russell and Mr. Perry had toured the South Island and the southern portion of the North Island, addressing public meetings in furtherance of the alms and objects of the league, and this tour

had been followed up by Sir Andrew and Mr. H. E. Barraclough, Dominion vice-president, in addressing meetings throughout the Auckland Province. These tours had proved most successful.

It was decided to circulate the organiser's report to all branches.

The following officers were elected for the ensuing year: Patron, Maj.-Gen. Sir Andrew Russell, X.C.8.. K.C.M.G.; president, the Hon. William Perry, M.L.C.; secretary. Mr. E. G. Hewitt; treasurer, Mr. A. E. Gorton.

The conference then appointed a subcommittee to consider the 25 remits that had been sent in by branches for consideration, and adjourned until 3 o'clock.