Compulsory Universal Service Demanded

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 144, 21 June 1939, Page 4

Compulsory Universal Service Demanded

PERMANENT LAND FORCE OF 30,000 NEEDED Per Press Association. UISBOBNE, June 20. Following an address by Sir Andrew Russell a largely-attended public meeting unanimously adopted a resolution emphatically endorsing the contention that a much larger land force was necessary for the security of the Dominion. Feeling that the appeal for voluntary enlistment is failing to meet the requisite response and believing that compulsory universal service offers the only equitable method of obtaining the strength needed the meeting urged tho Prime Minister and tho Minister of Defence immediately to take the necessary steps to provido as recommended in tho policy of the New Zealand Defence League for a minimum of three months’ compulsory continuous recruit training for all physically lit men between tho ages of IS and 36, and thereafter continuity of training in the Territorial Army of numbers sufficient to provide a land force of at least 30,000 being at all times available.

Tho meeting also respectfully urged tho Ministers to have put into effect the recommendation of the Longue for the establishment of a national register under terms requiring all adult citizens to render in timo of emergency servico in accordance with the qualifications and requirements of the situation.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SUPPORTS COMPULSION

WELLINGTON, June 20. A motion expressing the opinion that, in view of tho serious international situation and tho virtual failure of the recent appeal for voluntary recruits, it was the duty of the Government to introduce compulsory military training without delay, was carried at to-night’s meeting of the Council of tho Wellington Chamber of Commerce. Tho chamber is to convene a meeting of associated bodies at an early dato and bring the motion to the notice of the Government.