MILITARY TRAINING

Grey River Argus, 22 June 1939, Page 9

MILITARY TRAINING

UNIVERSAL SERVICE Advocated in Centres CHRISTCHURCH, June 21. The inauguration, of a universal training scheme was suggested by Mr. S. G. Holland, M.P., Christchurch North, when speaking at Rangiora on Monday evening on the Labour Government’s defence measures. Mr. Holland’s address on the political situation in New Zealand was given under the auspices of the New Zealand National Party, the Mayor of Rangiora (Mr. C. W. Tyler) presiding. Both Mr. Holland and the Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes, Member for Hurunui, reiterated statements by other members of the party approving the Labour Government’s recognition of the urgency of defence measures, but emphasising that these measures could lie taken considerably further. The present proposals, said Mr. Holland, did not go nearly far enough in view of the strained world situation and the vulnerability of the Dominion. A study of the map would show how easily Auckland or Wellington could be cut off. If a bomb were dropped in Cathedral Square to-morrow men would not know what to do or where to run. What was needed was a universal training scheme, with every person given an allotted task. The benefits of a universal training system would be numerous, would involve less expense, and would help to build up a healthier and huskier nation.

In supporting these statements, Mr. Forbes emphasised the gravity of the situation precipitated by Japan in China, especially at Tientsin, and the disadvantage Britain suffered in being far removed from her bases. WELLINGTON, June 20. A motion expressing the opinion that, in view of the serious international situation and the virtual failure of the recent appeal for voluntary recruits, it was the duty of the Government to introduce compulsory military training without delay, was carried at to-night’s meeting of the council of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce. The chamber will convene a meeting of associated bodies at an early date and bring the motion to the notice of the Government. CHRISTCHURCH, JVne 21.

A circular letter from the headquarters of the Association in Wellington about the appeal by the Prime Minister for volunteers for military service was discussed at the monthly meeting of the_Kaiapoi Returned Soldiers’ Association, and it was decided, aS the appeal for volunteers for defence had not met with the desired results, that the Association suggest that the Mayor of Kaiapoi be asked to convene a public meeting with a, view to a final appeal for volunteers, failing this that the Government be approached to introduce universal military training.

It vyas resolved that copies of the resolution be forwarded to the Mayor and Mr. C. Morgan Williams, M.P. A motion of sympathy with the relatives of Mr. James Wright was carried.

Governor General

URGES R.S.A. TO HELP RECRUITING. WELLINGTON, June 21. “You are a link between the past and present. You are a link because you are survivors of the last, time a call was made for defence service, and you ..have an undoubted influence on defence,’’ said the Governor-General, addressing the R.S.A. Conference. He said that he was glad to declare the conference open once more. His attendance was tinged with regret, because it would be the last time he would meet representatives of the Association in conference, as his term as Governor-General was expiring. He would not forget his association with the returned soldiers of New Zealand, nor the hearty welcome alwaysgiven him to their meetings. “May I ask vou to use all your influence to heln the recruiting movement ” he said. “The skies are dark in Europe, and all through the Empire an attempt is being made to strengthen its defences. If we have strength, we are not likely to be called upon to take up arms.” He emphasised the importance of training young men, because modern arms were so complicated that their use could not be learned at a moment’s notice. The delegates were welcomed to Wellington by the Mayor (Mr. Hislop), who made reference to the celebrating of the Centennial. They would all have to do their part, to make the celebrations a success. He was glad to know that the Association would be represented at the Exhibition, through a display of the work of disabled men, by the Soldiers’ Civil Reestablishment League. He invited them tn visit the Exhibition site, offer’nq to make arrangements for their conveyance. drill or dancing? FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN. AUCKLAND, June 21. Declaring that he could not visualise an invadinq army deciding the faie of New Zealand by contests in folk dancing, as taught to boys at present, Mr A. C. Trousdale, Chairman of the Howick High School Committee, notified to the Auckland Education Board, to-day, his resignation from the committe. Mr Trousdale said that he would much prefer his son to be taught the rudiments of military drill and rifle practice. His action was the outcome of the Education Department’s policy, rethe undesirabilitv of estabHchin" cadet corns at nubl’c school'’ cnmnip.ined also, that the headmaster of the Howick School had refiu'pd eo-onpration in the formation of vo’tmtarv cadet units. mup r>nnva recorded its appreciation of M>’ Trousdale’s services. PEACE CONFERENCE SUPPORTED DUNEDIN, June 20. The Council of the University of Otago received a communication from the honorary secretary of the National Peace Council of New Zealandat its meeting to-dav requesting sun-j port of the Prime Minister’s proposals, for a world conference on economic] and other Questions affecting the neace of the world. The Chancellor (Mr. W. J. Morrell)

said that it was needless to say that’ all wished for an international peace! conference. The council might con-1 sider whether it would sign the petition which had been forwarded asking for a world conference for peace understanding and economic adjustment or simply carry a motion expressing sympathy with the Prime Minister’s efforts for furthering world peace. Mr. F. W. Mitchell: Do you think it is possible to get a world conference? The chairman: No. I dori’t. Mr. Mitchell: I think it is futile. Mr. S. Rice: We would support the Minister in an effort to introduce military training. I Mr. L. D. Ritchie said that he thought the council should express its, sympathy with all methods to obtain! world peace The movement might possibly be futile, but if everybody! took up that attitude then. “God help' the world.” On Mr. Ritchie’s motion it was decided to support the movement promulgated by the Prime Minister.