Ex-Naval Men’s Views On Recruitment For Training

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22732, 2 September 1948, Page 6

Ex-Naval Men’s Views On Recruitment For Training

(P.A.) WELLINGTON, Sept. 1. Mr. B. R. Bain, secretary of the Wellington branch of the ex-Royal Naval Men’s Association, commenting on the report of the Home Servicemen's Association, which urged compulsory military training, stated that his association had absolutely nothing to do with the statements made regarding the military training question. His association had already made it clear that, as far as the naval forces were concerned, time immemorial had proved conclusively that the voluntary system was preferable and the association recommended an increase in the R.N.Z.N.V.R. and Sea Cadet Corps. His association took a serious view of the home servicemen’s report, which credited the Ex-Naval Men’s Association with having supported compulsory training. The ex-naval men had never been consulted by either the N.Z.R.S.A. or the Home Servicemen’s Association and had no knowledge of the joint defence committee on which the naval men were credited with representation. Mr. Bain emphasised the willingness of the members of his association to co-operate with kindred associations, but said that the ex-naval men were disturbed at the publication of reports which associated them with movements of which they knew nothing.