DEFENCE QUESTION.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 101, 29 March 1939, Page 9

DEFENCE QUESTION.

CALL FOR LEAD. MR HAMILTON’S URGE. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, March 28. “I am not satisfied that the Government is genuinely and sufficiently enthusiastic in its approach to the question of defence,” said the Loader of the Opposition (Hon. A. Hamilton) when speaking in To Awamutu to-night. - "It is capitalising the present international tension to dis"tract poople’es attention from the Government’s self-made serious financial crisis,” ho continued. “In the most essential practical manner, organising of the preparedness of the people themselves, its work is negligible. 1 want to sec a determined lead given to the rank and file of our people. Everybody must have a job to do, and _ know where to go and how to do it. In a time of crisis the Dominion is allowed to maintain organisations worthy of a rabble while conditions demand preparedness, not only in materials but also in organisation and men. If Mr Savage is genuine in his approach to the subject, he will give the lead. “We must act through the trades unions and through all social and industrial organisations in our community. The trades unions organisation is in a good position to co-operate in a community scheme. Let employer and employee alike combine in an effort to drive home the necessity for personal preparedness, self-reliance and initiative in our national defence. “The country is crying out for a strong lead. It is a matter for discussion in terms of hours and days and not in terms of months and years. “I repeat that social security is worthless without national security. It is no good having roads if we have not organised their use by men. It is no good having aeroplanes and aerodromes if we do not have sufficient organisation to support them on the ground. It is no good having 100,000 able-bodied men with no knowledge of whore to go or what to do in a moment of peril. It is no good having a - civilian population unorganised in eo-onerative national defence. “Just let us have a strong lead, and I am sure all would show immediately by their response that we are ready to plav a vital pari in the preparedness of the British Empire to which we are proud to belong. Lot us strut and crow less about generalities and get down to details of the important tasks ill hand,” said Mr Hamilton.