TERRITORIAL SYSTEM.

Manawatu Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 2642, 10 May 1923, Page 4

TERRITORIAL SYSTEM.

SHOULD IT BE ABOLISHED? Much interesting food for reflection was provided by the members of the Palmer3ton North Literary and Debating Society last night in their debate on the subject "tliat the territorial system J* New Zealand be abolished." In speaking to the affirmative, Mr H. Foddy described the nature of the drill and referred to ,its uselessness to achieve the desired results. It tended to encourage rowdyism, constituted forced discipline, and made no appeal whatsoever to the was purely mechanical drill, and there was no strategy taught and it allowed for no initiative. He contended that it was bound to becoi£« obsolete in time as drill used to be until the age of 25 and'was now 21. He touched at some length on the late war, and contended that the system was effecting no useful purpose as a means of defence. As a substitute, the speaker advocated volunatry Boy Scouts, not under the age of 14. They should have compulsory physical classes for those of 16 in a properly fitted gymnasium with competent physical instructors, and also compulsory or voluntary shooting clubs. He favoured a Naval station around the coast or at a small island, consisting of a smali flotilla of torpedo boats, destroyers, and submarines, together with a small Air Force, which Avould prove more effective and cost less. He instanced the Singapore Naval base which cost 11 millions and this in itself, would do away with any need for a land defence system. Mr H. A. Seifert seconded the affirmative.

In speaking to the negative, Mr T. H. Marchant contended that the object of the territorial system at the present time was to make the men better physically and mentally, and, he averred, it undoubtedly succeeded. He instanced cases of the wonderful improvement shown by many apparently weak specimens of manhood, after a short time in camp. It taught men the true value of comradeship, and to have confidence in a mate, but above all, it made a man loyal to his King and country. If there were no parades, there were many indeed, who would find their way on to the street corners. Then, if War broke out, the territorial who had been thus trailed would more readily make a thorough soldier than the man without any training. In regard to the cost of the system, it was admittedly a great expense, but a necessary and warrantable expenditure. Mr E. H. Pryor seconded the negative after which on a show of hands the negative was carried. A vote of thanks to chairman, Mr A. D. Campbell concluded the meeting. *