NEW ZEALAND READY

Grey River Argus, 28 August 1939, Page 5

NEW ZEALAND READY

MR FRASER’S STATEMENT 18,000 Territorials training for reservists. [Per Press Association]. WELLINGTON, August 26. “Everything is prepared for eventualities,” stated the acting-Prime Minister (Hon. P. Fraser), Rowing a meeting of the Defence Council, which lasted throughout this morning. The Minister of Defence (Hon. Jones), who was also interviewed, stated that there were 18,000 territorials at the present time, and, as tai as the personnel was concerned, th Defence Department considered that it now had sufficient men to provide fairly well for the defence of the Dominion. “We are training as many men ao possible as instructors,” added the Minister. “A number of reserve of-, ficers and non-commissioned officers have been brought in for a refresher ( course, and they will be available for the instruction of Reserve Class No. 1.”

MR HAMILTON CANCELS TRIP. WELLINGTON, August 26. It was the intention of the Leader of the Opposition (Hon. A. Hamilton) to leave for Christchurch last night to attend the opening of the National Club, but. after consultation with Hon. P. Fraser, he decided that it was advisable to remain in Wellington over the week-end. N.Z Defence Minister STAYS AT POST. WELLINGTON, August 26. It was the intention of the Minister of Defence (Hon. F. Jones), to leave for Auckland to-day to welcome the officers and officials arriving in New Zealand by the trans-Tasman flyingboat “Aotearoa”, and the Pan-Ameri-can Airways Boering Clipper, but owing to the international position, his official duties here make it impossible for him to make the trip. The Minister said to-day that Group-Captain T. M. Wilkes, Controller of Civil Aviation, would represent the Government on the arrival of the flying-boats together with Mr C. A. Furlong of the Department of Internal Affairs. No official functions, he said, would be held. These would take place when the mail services were inaugurated on both routes.

DEFENCE LEAGUE’S REQUEST. WELLINGTON, August 26. An earnest request to the Government, at once to double the, strength of the territorial force, by raising in each military district a brigade group of 6,000 men, was made by a deputation from the Dominion Council of the New Zealand Defence League, which waited on the Minister of Defence. Mr Jones said that he would place the proposal, and other resolutions submitted, before Cabinet and the Defence Council. The deputation emphasised the absolute necessity for a body of trained men who, with their leaders, could be regarded as a trained military machine. The men would be recruited from serving territorials over 21 years oi age a iso men between 21 and 30 years, and those between 30 and 50 years, who had military experience. I The Government was asked to publish such portions of Major-General Mackesy’s report as refer to the arm-' ed forces of the Dominion.

Sealed Orders OVERSEAS SHIPS IN N.Z. WELLINGTON, August 26. Masters of- overseas shipping at present on the New Zealand coast have in their possession sealed orders giving instructions as to what they are to do in the event of an outbreak of war. Some of these orders were, issued before vessels left oversea! ports. At least one ship has been wired, so’ that when the cabin or other doors are opened the electric lights are automatically cut off, thus preventing her being sighted at night by | enemy vessels. Most modern ships have been built to naval specilications which provide lor additional water-tight compartments, gun platforms, and anti-air-craft gun placements. Some are also provided with searchlights. Of recent months, a number of the liners trading to New Zealand have ( had the gun platforms reinforced. Many of the ships carry naval reser- 1 vists trained in the art of gunnery. ! Some are officers ana some ex-naval ratings. The captain, too, in many ' instances, is on the Royal Naval Re- ( serve list. 1 Of late, officers have undergone s training in air precaution measures,u and vessels arriving in New Zealand J waters to-day are all provided with 1 gas masks in sufficient numbers for s passengers and crew. I < The speed of ships, including freighters, has been given a good deal t of attention since the last war, and £ there are now many ships which can c reach speeds of from seventeen to j nineteen knots, or perhaps more if ne-jj cessary. It is believed that the in- ( creased speed is for the purpose of £ enabling vessels to avoid raiders and , submarines. .

Emergency Powers TAKEN BY AUSTRALIA.

SYDNEY, August 26. Comprehensive powers to safeguard the national interests were taken by the Commonwealth Government in a series of national security regulations promulgated at Canberra at midnight. | Steps to prepare Australia for an emergency have been intensified and Ot is stated that the country can now be placed on a war footing in a few hours. l . The New South Wales State au1 thorities have taken precautions to guard against all possibilities. All /leave has been cancelled in the Navy, ’ garrison, artillery and police. More than 40,000 people have enrolled under the national emergency scheme and have been warned to be prepared . for service. About 12,000 have actually been called up for service. 4 | The militia are guarding the Buii- . nerong power station,! railway bridges, >. and the industries and wharves nt Port Kembla.