Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1926. IMPERFECT PEACE

Greymouth Evening Star, 1 December 1926, Page 4

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1926. IMPERFECT PEACE

A motion in favour of stopping compulsory military training in New Zealand, passed at the recent Presbyterian General Assembly, aroused no popular enthusiasm, and is unlikely to have any effect on Ministerial policy. But the New Zealand Labour Party hastened with its congratulations and in conveying the message to the clerk of the Assembly, the national secretary of the Labour Party assured him that any efforts they might make for the abolition of systems that breed the military spirit, or that might advance the universal peace movement, would be heartily supported by the New Zealand Labour Party. The Assembly Clerk could make no better response than to call the Labour Party’s attention to the "military spirit” that pervades some trades union officials, who delight in strikes and other active aggression, and are a constant dan- ■

ger to industrial peace.. Labour’s sincerity as pacifists will be more generally accepted if such peace work begins in Labour circles. The objections raised by Labourites to Defence methods and regulations, read hypocritical when the Labour attitude is recalled concerning domestic issues, and gives ground for the belief held by some that Labour’s real objection to military forces lies in the fact that these would uphold law and order in case of emergency. The general strike in England was short-lived, mainly because the national defence forces were ready to protect tlie rights and property of the nation generally. Apart, however, from any internal needs of a Defence force, it is clear to all unbiased persons that New Zealand would indeed be foolish to abolish her present forces. It may be easy to proclaim peace at Wellington, but experts at Geneva find the problem of disarmament far from simple. European students seek peace, but are not to be deceived by verbal resolutions, nor platitudes., The League’s committee studying all the aspects of the disarmament question, found itself beset with many difficulties, and has no solution yet to offer. It is clear that goodwill all round is the only safe basis for disarmament and peace, and it is even clearer that such national goodwill does not yet exist. Without it, any regulation or agreement can be kept in the letter, but evaded in the spirit, and woeful would be the lot of the nations caught unprepared by aggressive foes. Disarmament must : be a matter of time and conversion, . and those who. are impatient will , hinder the cause they profess to i be serving. We all agree that it i

would be delightful and cheaper if the necessity for Defence forces no longer existed. There arc so many things this world would be better Without; blit Illas I human weaknesses, of character, compel a continuance. The Labour Party and all other self-proclaimed lovers of peace are beginning at the wrong end in asking New Zealand to scrap what small Defence force she has. They should concentrate their propaganda in other countries in greater need of it. Meanwhile, there would be no wisdom in radically changing the Dominion’s Defence preparations; Which, must be developed rather than weakened. The general public should give iio support to ill-considered proposals. The day will probably come when perfect peace will prevail the world ovei‘;- but that happier time is generations ahead. '