Second N.Z.E.F. Assn. Defers Remit For Repeal Of Training

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23316, 27 July 1950, Page 4

Second N.Z.E.F. Assn. Defers Remit For Repeal Of Training

(P \ ) WELLINGTON. July 26. Although there was some support for a remit calling on the Government to j repeal the military ttaining scheme the j annual conference of the Second N.Z.E.F. Association decided today to reaffirm its defence policy, but in view of the present international situation to deier any criticism of the scheme until the next conference. Mr G. Kelly, Christchurch, said that by next year there would be either war or the international situation would have improved and the association would thus be able to consider the whole question without being accused of being “disrupters and traitors." Mr H Ryland, Auckland, said that he considered the conference should support the remit to show that the association was still opposed to the scheme as it imposed an unnecessary burden on the community.

Fallacy Suggested “Because the Prime Minister said he would not agree to the proposal in advance that is no reason for us to change our minds,” said the president. Mr. Nigel Wilson. He added that if the principles of the scheme the association has advocated had been applied, New Zealand would have been able to put two bomber squadrons alongside those of Australia in Korea. Events had since proved that the training of 18-vear-olds was based on the fallacy that it would be five years before anything happened, said Mr. Wilson. “The scheme was illconceived; it had

no basis in reality and it was a bad guess.” added Mr. Wilson. An amendment that, in view of the present international situation, the question be deferred until next year, was moved by Mr. Kelly. He said that while he was against conscription he and his branch felt that any attempt to have the Act repealed would be fruitless. Any such attempt would bring the association into derision. The amendment was carried. The conference decided to seek permission for the Dominion president to visit military training establishments to observe progress of the training of 18-vear-olds.