UNIVERSAL MILITARY TRAINING.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXX, Issue 14973, 20 April 1909, Page 9

UNIVERSAL MILITARY TRAINING.

> A WELLINGTON MOVEMENT. ■ ' [Per, Press Association.] ■ ' WELLINGTON, April 19. " ■ A preliminary meeting of citizens in favour of - urging the Government to establish universal military training was held‘.in AVelfington this evening. About sixty persons were present. Mr J. Pi Luke, M.P., presided in the absence of: the .Mayor. .Mr. Luke said that something superior tp-the 'present system of defence was needed.- Speaking as an employer, ho thought employers would bo prepared to sacrifice tho time of their workmen ne'cessary for tho purposes of efficient training. They should make recommendations which would assist the Prime Minister in bringing his defence scheme before Parliament. He hoped the meeting, would be the birth of a broader,, truer and quicker spirit in regard to'defence. The'Hon Rj'.A. Loughnan, M.L.C./ moved that the meeting should resolve itself into a committee 'to, co-operate with tlio National Defence League in ' holding a public meeting of citizens to urge the .Government to institute a system of'universal military... training. In the. course of tho discussion it was ' generally agreed that universal military training was desirable. ( One speaker asked whether the idea was that employers should pay their men for the time spent in camp. If so that would involve hardship. The chairman said he thought that employers would 'be unable to stand such a strain. Employers would give the men the necessary time, but the general public should foot the bill.

The Rev Dr'Gibb said his miml was not made Up in regard to compulsion. Wns New Zealand to have a system similar to that of Germany F

Voices: No. , Mr . Shirtcliffe pointed out that the resolution aimed at compulsory, training, not military service. He believed in a few weeks of annual training on German lines. The resolution was carried unanimously. It was also resolved that all present should be asked to contribute not more than 2s 6d towards expenses, .Is of each 2s Gd being taken to be their subscription to the National Defence League.