N.Z. FORCES

Grey River Argus, 19 May 1938, Page 3

N.Z. FORCES

COMPULSORY SERVICE.

WANTED BY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

DUNEDIN, May 18.

In a lengthy discussion by the Chamber of Commerce, on defence all the speakers more or less decided in the opinion that some form of compulsory training was necessary. Resolutions were passed affirming the urgency of the matter, the Chamber pledging itself to support loyally any measures to make defence more secure, even if such involved compulsory training.

Mr W. R. Chapman, Vice-President of the Junior Chamber which had passed a resolution unanimously, that compulsory training was essential, and that an Imperial Army officer be given command, free from Government supervision or interference stated there was no doubt the army of defence had deteriorated, and the Government appeared to have lost interest. Probably 50 per cent, of the force would not pass the physical test. 25 per cent, would not oe lit for higher rank than a sergeant, while the remaining percentage would make only mediocre privates.

A suggestion by Mr A. C. Cameron was that there should be tree months' unbroken training in the first year, six weeks in the second and third, and the training to be completed between the ages of 17 and 21.