COMPULSORY MILITARY TRAINING.

Grey River Argus, 20 April 1909, Page 3

COMPULSORY MILITARY TRAINING.

- VVELLINGTON, April 19. A preliminary meeting of citizens in favor of urging the Government to establish universal military training was held in Wellington this evening. About 60 persons were present. Mr J. P. Luke, M.P., presided in the absence .of the Mayor. Mr Luke said something superior to the present system of defence was needed. Speaking as an employer he thought employers Avould ibe prepared to sacrifice the time of their workmen necessary for purposes: of efficient training. They should make recommendations which would assist the Premier in bringing- his defence scheme before Parliament. Eg hoped tlie j»oBt)»g would: be (he birth of" broader, truer, and ,1 Quicker spirit in jegaird to defence. Hori.-R. A. Loughnan, M.L.C., moved "that the meeting resolve itself intn a committee to co-operate with the National Defence League in holding a public meeting of citizeins to urge the Govemrri_-i.t to institute a system of universal military training." In the course of the discussion it was generally agreed that universal training is desirable. One speaker asked whether the idea was that the employers . should pay their men for the time spent in. camp. If so that would involve a hardship. The chairman thought the employers would be unable to stand such a strain. The employers would give the men the necessary time, but the treneral public should foot the bill. Rev. Dr. Giftb said his mind was not made up in regard to compulsion. •' Was New Zealand to have a system similar to that of Germany. (Voices — JNo). Mr Shirtcliffe pointed out that the resolution aimed at compulsory waffling, not military service. He 'believed in a few weeks of annual training on German lines. Tlie resolution was carried unanimously. It was also resolved that all pre- ] s«.ut be _asked to •cqnftrifout* ?ot more 1 than* _s 66 towards the expenses, and is of each' 2 s 6d being, taken to be talon to be their subscription to the' National Defence League.