CALL FOR TERRITORIALS.

Evening Star, Issue 23352, 23 August 1939, Page 18

CALL FOR TERRITORIALS.

TO TUB EDITOR. Sir,—Of lute wo have been accustomed to reading and hearing statements about the tardiness displayed by young men in joining the Territorial Forces. Personally J, have no axo to grind,' as 1 was born about nine years too late to serve in the Great War, but fulfilled my obligations under the late compulsory system. Is the young man of the “ twenties ” totally to blaino for not responding to tho call ? Are advertisements, posters, and dress uniforms not sufficient to awaken sufficient enthusiasm in him to join a Territorial unit? Before we can throw the entire blame on the young men of to-day we should consider several points of interest. The young man of to-day knows of (a) the treatment meted out by many firms to their returned men when they came back from overseas and saw comfortable positions secured by others during the absence of the soldiers; (2) the flood of books, films, etc., written since the war exposing its grim realities, the methods of lying propaganda used, and the profits made by armament firms and other parasites. (3) He learned at school of the brave men who fought the “ war to end war.” (4) lie wonders why he should devote part of his time to military training while others are mainly concerned with making money and enjoying the pleasure derived therefrom. (5) Lack of moral and mental discipline has had! its effect on him. Is he altogether to blame for this ? Since the Great War the films and novels poured out such a quantity of filth under the noble name of “ freedom of expression ”—meaning, of course, “ license ”—that it is a wonder that he is as upright as lie is. Married people of the “ no-birth-no-coutrol ” brigade tell him they are “ not bringing children into the world for cannonfodder.” Oh, no! But these very superior people will expect that the young man reared by some one else will go forth to defend their miserable, worthless existence. The so-called “ freedom of living ” has sadly undermined a grand little country and the ideals of young men. The solution can only 7 be compulsory service. Those who are unfit for active work can be trained for auxiliary purposes. Now that a large majority have the Saturday morning free except for beer —alas! now dearer—racing, and weekending, what is to prevent the institution of a week-end camp once or twice a month ? For those who have to work on the Saturdav the employers should he pleased to allow them the requisite time off to train. Wake up, New Zealand!—l am, etc., Reseuvist. August 22.