No Conscription

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 64, 17 March 1938, Page 8

No Conscription

OVERNMENT POLICY ONE OF EMERGENCY CHRISTCHURCH, Last Niglit. “Conscription for the Territorial Forces will not be reintroduced,” said the Minister of Defence. Hon. F. Jones, when discussing the desire of the Government tha f more recru'ts should enrol. The Government’s policy was not to build a force of 30,000 or 40,000 Territorials, b**t one of high efficiency, from which ’eaders be obtained if the need arose, and of sufficient strength to nr v.ae coastal defence. The Reservist In which recruits are given ti.ree months’ instruction, during which -ocaDonal guidance is prominent, ..as * + supported by tha Minister. Tn Car erbury, he said, 70 reservists had no*, been trained, and they w._2ld hr called upon for coastal defenc3 .ark. 'Hie aim was to place young men under training after the cessation of seasonal occupations, but a late start was made last year, and men were now being trained in three batches throughout the year. To confine the period of training would necessitate the employment of more instructors. The aim in the Canterbury district was to have a reserve of 300 maintained at that strength for coastal defence, the youths being placed on the reserve for three years after the three months’ period of instruction. “The reintroduction of compulsion has not been considered,” said Mr Jones. “The reorganisation of the military forces had been under way for only six months and the Government’s introduction of mechanisation of forces, week-end camps and schools of instruction had proved a success and the special reserve was undoubtedly a great success. The change in policy had made the territorial force more attractive to youths, who should find a popular outlet for activity, physical development, instructional advancement and service to their country by joining the forces which were still below strength. “We would welcome, suitable men who desire to take an interest in military work,” said Mr Jones. Efficiency rather than numbers was the aim, and business men could help the country and many were doing so by encouraging their employees to join the territorials and giving them the necessary

leave to attend the camps. The cooperation of the employers was appreciated by the Government, and they were given a splendid example by the acticn of the Hamilton business men who responded most generously to a request that their employees attached to a medium battery should be allowed leave.

When questioned the Minister admitted that the territorial strength was not as high as the Government and military authorities desired. The type of young men now being attracted to training was specially good, the youths possessing splendid physique and enthusiasm for the work, which had lost most of its old-time drudeerv.

HOBSONVILLE EXTENSION Per Press Association. AUCKLAND. Last Night. In preparation for expansion of the air arm as New Zealand’s first line of defence, important developments are now in progress at Hobsonville air base on the upper harbour. Begun five months ago, an 18-months constructional programme is being carried out to make the base the principal ground instruction centre in the Dominion for the training of youths in the mechanical side of aviation. A comprehensive scheme includes the provision of largely-increased accommodation for trainees, extension of the landing ground for land planes by levelling an adjoining area of farm land, and extension of the seaplane apron to provide for the requireOmts of water aircraft and amphibians near the takeoff at Hobsor.ville Point. In the enlarged accommodation block 170 trainees will be housed. An expenditure of about £25,000 is involved in the building scheme, and many carpenters and other tradesmen are engaged.