ARMED FORCES FOR CITIES.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 9 July 1938, Page 3

ARMED FORCES FOR CITIES.

MEN FROM P.W. CAMPS. CHRISTCHURCH PLAN Ey lelegr'ii.m— l '> /issue nrUoQ.) CHRIHTCIIL’RCH, .Inly S.

A proposal that young men should be taken from Public Works camps to form a “standing army" of 100 U men in each mam centre may be placed before tiie defence authorities by the defence committee of the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce. The proposal was made to the council of the chamber this evening by Mr. H. S. Williams, who said he considered that the chamber was not going far enough in proposing the formation of a Christchurch association to assist in developing land defence policy'. He asserted that young men would be “far better" in military training. In presenting Hie defence committee’s report, Mr. H. C. Hurst said that the Royal New Zealand Air Force and the New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy had men irom overseas in control. “It is time we had something similar for the land forces; I lien wo might get something done," he said.

A resolution whic will bo forwarded to the Minister of Defence, Hon. P. Jones, was passed as follows:—“That this chamber’ commends the interest now being shown in the defence forces of this country, but views with concern the apparent weakness of Hue land defence forces. The chamber is of the opinion that an association should be formed in Christchurch for the purpose of assisting the Government in furthering its'policy for the hind defence force bv

“(1) Co-operating with the military authorities in endeavouring to free men from the'u civilian employment to t!i ;J paiades and camp training.

“ (2j Encouraging young men to offer their service in units of the local military forces. “(1!) Postering the interest of the general public in the military units m this district.

“Further, tins Chamber pledges its full support to such an association and instructs its defence sub-coniinilteo to consider t.ds m.liter, with [tower lo act. ” The present “standing army" of New Zealand consisted of 3-12 men, said Mr, Williams. Every possible body should urge on the Government the need for aciion to improve the land defences. “New Zealand is lagging behind the rest of the Empire, and it is time the Government did something, ’' lie said. “Wo have got to adihit that our territorial system is a failure. Certainly the Government is offering greater attractions than over before, but young men won't come forward. It is regrettable to see thousands of young men in Public Works camps who would bo far better off morally and physically in military service.

“We want a standing arniy of 1000 men in each centre,’'’ he said. “We don’t want more taxation, but this is necessary. If we could lake 4000 men from Public Works camps and form an army, they would be far better employed. ’ ’

After some discussion between Air. Burst, the chairman, Mr. W. S. McGibbon, and Air. Williams, on whether Mr. Williams’ proposal was in order as a speech to the original resolution, it was decided to leave it to the defence co .millee !o tarn; l.m pioposal up with the defence authorities.