THE DEFENCE SCHEME.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLVI, Issue 120, 18 May 1912, Page 5

THE DEFENCE SCHEME.

THE COMPULSORY TRAINING ; PRINCIPLE.

BLEMEIM EOROUGH COUN-

CIL'S VIEW

A circular letter from the Palmer?ton North Chamber of Commerce^ inviting co-operation." in expressing appreciation•'■-of; the firm attitude taken up by the Minister for Defence in the . interests, of compulsory mili-tai-y. training was considered by the Blenheim Borough Council last uight. The Deputy-Mayor (Councillor Carr)", said he firmly believed in the system of training young men for the defence of the country. " The time might come—sooner thsm. some people thought—when their efficiency would be put to the test. But he protested against the inconvenience tp which, employers we re subjected by the scheme in its present form. He mentioned an instance, in which one of Ins staff had to leave a big team of horses in tho yard while he attended drill, and no doubt employers generally had had the same experience. He thought that the drill uoould be done at Easter time and at nights.

Councillor Scott moved the principle of tiro universal training scheme be affirmed. Xo doubt there were defects; but these-would be eliminated as the rcfo) m progressed. Councillor Homes 'seconded the motion. 'fl<j thought that employers should cheerfully accept some measure of sacrifice for tuch an important" object.

Councillor, Birch considered, that the veheme was', in its general aspect, a splendid one. Councillor Paiker also praised it, and rcmaiked tint tlie system would work more smoothly next year. Apart fr-">m its national value' the system was a flue thing as a means of instilling discipline into young men.

■..Councillor.'Girling gave the principle liis hearty support. I Councillor Eccles said lie. had no time for the weak-kneed people who objected-to the work of equipping the 'population to defend its hearts and homes. H© would give them a free j,p,as& out of tlie country, and hang I them to the first lamp-post if they returned. (Laughter.) Councillor Cooke said that he had been much impressed with the splendid conduct of the camp at Marshlands. What he had seen there had won his high favor for the system, and removed a few doubts that he originally held. Councillor Curr said he had iw sympathy for the- gentlemen-who did not want to see the young men doing their duty to the country. If 'A little more judgment were used, the scheme would be all that was desired. He /supported tlie motion. ■ The motion was caried unanimously.