MILITARY TRAINING.

Evening Star, Issue 14631, 29 July 1911, Page 4

MILITARY TRAINING.

AS IT APPLIES TO FARMERS. The Commandant of the Forces, Major-general Godley, by request, attended the Farmers’ Union Conference iu Wellington on Wednesday to answer any questions delegates might put to him, and to clear up any doubts iu regard to the new defence system, particularly as it affects the farming community. The General expressed his thanks that he had been requested to be present. Ho could assure the conference that they had already practically settled the training of the mounted men iu the country districts. He took it that the great majority of the farmers would go into the mounted branch, and it had been practically arranged that the training of the mounted section should be late in the year—May, or oven as late as June. He asked the conference to help the authorities in letting their men away as soon as possible. This referred to the week’s camp. Then, in regard to the 30 drills to be done during the year, they realised that it would not be much use to bring a man in many miles to do an hoar’s drill. 'This was. responsible for a . suggestion by many farmers that the drills should be lumped and that the men should go into camp for some extra days, say two weeks altogether. That would include the compulsory week’s camp. Of course, training to be of the greatest value should bo progressive throughout the ' ear, and it was an enormous sacrifice from a military point of view to make this proposition. Ho hoped the farmers would meet them more than halfway—the authorities would meet them more than halfway'. As for the infantry men in the country, there were great difficulties, but they were going to carry out the training. A regulation had been framed which would permit of the formation of small subcentres. If they could get a down men together a sergeant-major would be sent out, and the training could take place in a barn or a schoolhouse, and, if necessary, between milking hours. It was of the utmost importance that no section in the community should be exempted. He was most anxious to help the farmers in every way. Mr F. G. Horrcll said that so far as North Canterbury was concerned the month of May would be impossible. It would upset the whole of their sowing operations. October would bo a much more suitable period. Major Lusk (Auckland) gave it as his opinion that no set month would suit both islands. What General Godley suggested in regard to May would meet j with very general approval in the North | Island. I

I Mr G. M. Sheat said he was in charge of a remit, which approved the compulsory system, but stressed the need for the spiritual and moral tone of camps being safeguarded. J In reply, the General said that the j military authorities had to fix some | time for the camps. The recruits had j to bo posted in June, the preliminary i work would be learned in the halls in June and July, and then they would finish their year in the < autumn in camp. That was progressive training. As regards the question of time, he did not mean to convey the impression that May would suit everybody, but he had been told that it would suit. There would be no difficulty, however. They were quite prepared to have October for Canterbury. The objection was that the recruits would be taken out rather late. At the same time, they were prepared to meet the farmers halfway. The infantry camps would unquestionably be in the summer, and those infantrymen in the country would bo required to attend. He could not help believing that the groat majority of the country men would be mounted. The suggestion that half the men in one district should go at one time and half at another struck at the very root of military’ efficiency—it would be fatal from his point of view. While the suggested fortnight’s camp might cover all drills, ho would not say absolutely that such would be the case. To be of value there had to bo a certain amount of progressive training. Then, in answer to another question, he said all local officers had been strictly instructed to study local conditions. So far as drills were concerned, it had been laid down that no one Would he asked to travel more than an hour’s journey to drill. That would ensure the drills being “ at homo.” The large camps would be regimental camps. Outside of that there might be small week-end camps at squadron centres. The difficulties were great, but they were made to be overcome, and he was certain they would be overcome with the help of the farmers. He was certain that it would be the tone of the best men that would prevail in the camps. It would be a very' short time before men who used bad language or wanted to drink would ho brought to their senses. As regards liquor getting into the camps, he was certain every officer would set a proper example. In every way the spiritual and moral welfare of the camps would

bo attended to’. The- General referred to other points, arid made pointed reference to the fact that they were going to have esprit de corps and regimental traditions. “I do beg of you,” ho said in conclusion, “ that when you hear this talk of militarism and conscription, you will do all you can to combat it. Wo only want to help you to establish your citizen army. I do not want to fight, I can assure you ; but the best way to ensure peace is to be prepared.” The General was heartily thanked by the president and delegates for his very interesting statement.