COMPULSORY MILITARY TRAINING.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 9607, 5 September 1911, Page 2

COMPULSORY MILITARY TRAINING.

I (To tub Editor.) Sir,—l shall bo glad if you will allow mo a Httlo space lor a further reply to "One Who Thinks." First, us to his statement that "our representatives in Parliament thrashed fcho matfcor cut. etc." I should like to point out that they (our representatives) are liablo to_H'.ako mistake:; and introduce Bills which aro objectionable to the peoplo, and it, is on those occasions that the peoplo are en- | titled to object. Tho trouble, however, is that the Defence Act 'affects cnly tlioso who are unable to vote at tho coming election, which is probably what the Go- ( vernment intended, "Ono Who Thinlte" | also says that "it w only thoso rot worth . considering who arc making tho noise ! against military training." 1 don't ag'ee _ with" hini, but it seems to 1110 that it is ; those whom the Act does not elect that aro making tho noiso in favour of it. Further, because the majority of ;ho youths have not loudly voiced their -'intagonisin to compulsory military training, it does not say that thov aro in favour of it. It must also be remembered that so far they have only boon. called upon to register, but when tho actual training commences, they will probably let it be more clearly soen how much I hey aro against it . However, if tho Government honestly thinks compulsory military training is necessary, why ciiimot it introduce a reasonable scheme? In the Defence Act of 1909 there was a provision that all Torritoi;ialg who wore classified as "ellieient" for three years would bo' placed in the Reserves, Why was that Act amended in 1910, making it compulsory to servo until 25 years of age before being placed in tho Reserves? Surely the young men would take more interest in the training if they oould taivo the Territorials at tho ago of 21 instead of 25. Under tho amendment there is no inducement oven for youths to I,alee an interest in the work, becauso whether efficient or otherwise, they aro compelled to undergo training for tho full term. Can one wonder why thoy aro not taking to tho scheme when there is nothing reasonable about it? Finally, the country can present a Dreadnought where it isn't required, so why not pay tho men for the timo thoy have devoted to training those who have tho largest stako in tho country helping materially towards the cost? At present they arc only paid for the time actually spent in camp. Thanking you, sir, for the impartial manner in which you have published tho letters for and against the subject—l am. etc., AN OLD VOLUNTEER.