N.Z. HOME DEFENCE

Grey River Argus, 30 August 1939, Page 9

N.Z. HOME DEFENCE

SILLY STATEMENTS By Auckland Traders AUCKLAND, August 28. A unanimous expression of then conviction that New Zealand is not sufficiently • prepared for a ’Xieiß emergency, a call to the Government to organise the whole of the manpower 5 of the country, and a statement of their personal readiness to serve and co-operate were made b> : meeting of Auckland businessmen to-day. The meeting was called by the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, the Auckland p^ v, " eial Al^ n ‘’ ployers’ Association, and the Auckland Manufacturers’ Association, with which were associated other associations of citizens. Resolutions were carried., and are to be brought at the earliest possible moment before the attention of the Government. The first resolution was: “That this meeting of citizens ot Auckland records its recognition of the magnitude of the Governments preparations for the defence ot New Zealand, and in view of the gravity of the international situation, earnestly recommends the immediate establishment of a home defence force, composed of men between the ages of 20 and 35 years, to receive not less than three months' continuous training, in order that the ofli- . ccrs and men may be adequately pre- . pared to encounter any enemy force that may, in the event of war, attack New Zealand.” The second resolution was: . “Further, this morning, being convinced of the necessity for hastening the preparations for safeguarding ( New Zealand, also strongly recommends that immediate action should , be taken to organise all other mem- , hers of the community for their con- , Iribution to national defence in an-

emergency. "We are fiddling while Lome burns.” said Mr H, O. Wiles. lhe women of the country were setting a line example, and it was up to the men to follow them. He was appalled at the state of unpreparedness, and dismayed by the figures given him by a very highly placed military ollicer. The territorial forces numbered 9000 mon. Of these 2000 were unlit for active service, 4000 were not sufficiently trained, and only lhe ridiculously small total of 3000 could be said to be ready for duty. He also felt very critical about the attitude of the Government to many young men who had volunteered for service with the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. He knew many who, after four or live months’ waiting, had not even received asknowledgement of their willingness to serve. WELLINGTON, August 28. A strong indication that he regarded as untimely, unnecessary, and possibly dangerous, the statements and resolution at the Auckland Chamber of Commerce meeting to-day was given by the Acting-Prime Minister (the Hon. P. Fraser in a reply telegraphed to-night to the president of the chamber, Mr Arnold Ely. The telegram was as follows:— “Your telegram received. 1 will be pleased to meet yourself, and Messis Allum and Shove for the purpose ol receiving and discussing any representations you have- to make in reference to the home defence of New Zealand and for this purpose I suggest Wednesday next, August 30, at 12 o'clock noon. "At, the same time. I must point out, that the Government has acted,“and is acting, on the best expert advise available in New Zealand, as well as that placed at its disposal by the United Kingdom Government. Your resolution will receive attention in the light of possible developments, and there will be no hesitation if the need for further steps is indicated

“Meanwhile 1 consider it my duty Io point out that such meetings and resolutions at the present time may cause unnecessary and unjustifiable alarm, and are a handicap rather than a help to those responsible for the safety of lhe country, while the reports of some of the remarks at the meeting which have reached me, if correct, are calculated to be a discouragement to the people of the Dominion, and a sourc ol' danger if published abroad.”

Hockey and Defence BLENHEIM, August 28. With one of the largest parades since the war, Blenheim to-night combined an official welcome to teams attending the New Zealand women’s hockey championship with a recruiting rally in the interests of territorials and the National Reserve. The parade, under Lieutenant-Colonel A,. • 'han, 0.C., Mounted Rifles Regiment, totalled more (han 500 all ■ y. including four troops of Mounted Rifles, National Reservists, South African and Great War veterans, St. J'-'hn ambu'ance, women’s hockey players, and teams of other sports ci" 'S and organisations. The town was brilliantly illuminated and decorated with bunting. The streets were lined with interested crowds, who warmly applauded the procession. The Mayor (Mr T. C. Smith) amt the member for the district (Mr E. P. Meachen) welcomed the visitors, Tne recruiting speech was delivered by Lieutenant-Colonel W. T. Churchward, w'ho, alluding t 0 tne present crisis, said that no doubt there would be a rush to enlist if war broke out, but unfortunately the great bulk of recruits would be untrained. Ho emnwisiscd urgency of .joining without delay to be trained and prepared if an emergency arose. A number of men immediately stepped forward and lined up alongside the recruiting ser-geant-major. A spectacular march past with military and highland pipe bands, follow'-i cd. The Minister for Internal Affairs (the Hon. W. E. Parry) telegraphed apologising for absence because of Cabinet business.