The Grey River Argus FRIDAY, October 7, 1949. MILITARY CAMPS IN MAY

Grey River Argus, 7 October 1949, Page 4

The Grey River Argus FRIDAY, October 7, 1949. MILITARY CAMPS IN MAY

’WITHOUT doubt Parliament will be prudent in ensuring that young military trainees shall not have access to wet canteens at the camps, to which they wdl begin to be dratted next May. lhe legislation last night enacted by the House has been discussed with regard chiefly to this aspect and that of such youths as may have conscientious objection to service. It is manifest that in both respects the authorities are disposed to take' the utmost precautions. But they actually are only subsidiary considerations. The terms of camp training are ;to be relatively brief, considering those that have traditionally been the rule in connection with conscription. Many reliable authorities have testified that such training builds character, rather than endangers it with such temptations as that of alcoholic indulgence. For one thing the limited term will be an inducement for the directors to make the most of the time, leaving no great scope for idleness or mischief. The Minister of Defence is probably well warranted in remarking that the number already in the regular forces of the Dominion is decidedly greater than most people imagine. The trainees, except such as qualify for officers and non-coms, will not come to be regarded ;any wise as regulars,.and in that respect will differ definitely from conscripts in those countries where there is continuous service for one or two years. On the other hand, modern military development does not retain the same premium for more lengthy service, as used to obtain before modern weapons so greatly diversified and expanded the extent of operations. The Dominion trainees when in camp will have their time taken up with so varied a programme that their attention, iu the great majority of cases, is bound to be focused on their work, because it will undoubtedly be of an interesting character. The influence of discipline ought to be beneficial not only in the lives of the trainees themselves in everyday life, but, by means of example, in exerting influence upon the rest of the community. For these reasons, it is possible to view with equanimity the apprehension of those people whose estimate of camp . life is preoccupied rather with its risks, than" with its possibilities of betterment, for the trainees. The necessity of defence may by many be regarded as a regrettable one, considering that this country hitherto has not felt it so much as it does to-day, and there are many who fear that the very preparations might prove a spur- for warfare. On the other hand, neglect would incur a greater risk of warfare, and the trainees will have the consciousness that they are performing a service for the community. In the spirit of that performance, the great majority will undoubtedly, if tacitly, tend to develop a greater sense of responsibility, which should be reflected in their whole outlook and their conduct alike during service and after-life. Therefore any apprehensions as to indiscipline may be largely discounted, and regard instead be had for the fact that family discipline has not tended latterly to be so perfect in New Zealand that other discipline might very greatly spoil the effects of it.