PURSUIT OF PEACE

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXV, Issue 159, 21 June 1935, Page 7

PURSUIT OF PEACE

R.S.A. Discussion on Defence NEED OF ADEQUATE MEASURES Recommendations to Government By Telegraph—Press Association WELLINGTON, June 20. When motions bearing on peace and war and the establishment of defence forces in New Zealand', came before the annual conference of the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association to-day, a keen debate ensued, centreing mostly on an attempt by the Christchurch delegation to persuade the conference that it should not discuss the subject without first obtaining the opinions of individual members of affiliated associations through the ballot box only. A division that took place in a series of votes on the subjects under the heading of “defence” went in favour of those who had supported armament by 113 to 29. A motion drawing attention to the inadequacy of the present defence measures was passed. The adoption of the following Dune din remit was then moved by the Hon. W. Perry and carried after efforts to delete the second and third paragraphs had failed, “That this council sincerely appreciates the efforts of the Government of the Mother Country and of New Zealand to secure world peace, and prays for continued labours in this direction. It considers, however, that unsettled conditions prevailing throughout the world are such that the attention of the Government of New Zealand should be drawn to the inadequacy of the present defensive measures. “The council, ever mindful of the enormous sacrifice in human life during the Great War consequent on unpreparedness, further deems it its duty to urge upon the Government the vital necessity of bringing our sea, land and air forces to a state commensurate with our responsibilities, both to New Zealand and to the Empire. “Further, and arising out of the experience during the Great War, the council respectfully suggests that greater attention be paid to the training of leaders, both officers and noncommissioned officers, being firmly convinced that from such training nothing but good will accrue to the country, either in peace or war. “Finally, the council considers that in the event of war the whole of the country's economic resources should be mobilised as well as its man power, and would bring to the notice of the Government the necessity for immediate preparation of such a plan. ’ ’ Other remits bearing on defence which were adopted were as follow, “that, in the interest of world peace and security for our nation and the Empire, this council freely gives its utmost support to the League ot Nations.”

“That the Government be asked to ascertain the cost of maintaining a permanent force as compared with the present cost of unemployed rebel, especially ag maintenance of a force would create increased employment m various industries.’’

In answer to a question, the Hon. W. Perry said that the committee hau not considered using Unemployment Board funds for the purpose suggested