Compulsory Military Training.

Hastings Standard, Volume XIII, Issue 4303, 4 November 1909, Page 5

Compulsory Military Training.

NELSON COUNCIL OPPOSES THE MOVEMENT. Speaking against a motion before the Nelson City Council, " That in the opinion of this Council the time has arrived when compulsory milit i/ trainng should be adopted by this Dominion," Cr Bisley said that rather than support the advocates of compulsory training he would have all such men men publicly shot for they were doing a mischievous work. In case of necessity they would all be ready to bear arms for their country, but he would strongly object to his boy being trained to kill his fellow men. Cr Pettit opposed the motion. He had no objection to reasonable defence, but they should carefully consider the effect of such a resolution. From what he knew of the training many of the youths of New Zealand had had in the volunteers, he said it would have been better if they had gone to their graves before they received it. The Mayer also opposed the motion. He could understand that some such scheme should be necessary in Switzei land, but he was- almost ashamed to hear it advocated in New Zealand. Cr Grace who had moved the motion, replied at some length, and the motion on being put was lost on the Mayor's casting vote.