IS NEW ZEALAND WORTH DEFENDING?

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 145, 22 June 1939, Page 3

IS NEW ZEALAND WORTH DEFENDING?

Need for Territorial Training (Contributed.) Is New Zealand worth defending? In other words, are your home, mother, wife, sister and children worth protecting? Any man would be highly indignant if this question were put to him seriously. But many are hanging back at the moment not for reasons of cowardice but because they are unwilling to face up to the minor inconveniences in their business and private life, their sports and pleasures. ‘ Anyway, why worry, the other man will do something. England won’t see New Zealand attacked; America will help us.’ Such was not the attitude 25 years ago, and is not the attitude to-day among those who lived through those perilous days. Iu totalitarian aggressor countries the militarist spirit has been inculcated into the rising generation from the cradle. This is most unfortunate, but it is a painful and accepted fact. The young men of New Zealand, born and reared in an atmosphere of peace and security, are slow to awaken to the seriousness of the position. In the very near future they may be up against a nation as powerful and ruthless as any in the world’s history. It is freely admitted that a large majority are ready in spirit, but very few in body. Many have done some sort of military training as Territorial Cadets many years ago, and will doubtlessly come forward in an emergency. Many of them have played football years ago, but they would willingly undergo weeks of spartan training if asked to turn out again. They must just as willingly train for the defence of their homes. And in addition they must remember that arms and methods of war are changing and to be of use in an emergency they must be fully trained in the latest weapons and tactics. It would be little less than murder to send untrained men into action. It is argued that there won’t be a war, but circumstances beyond our control can begin a war and we have to be prepared for eventualities. We don’t wait until our house is burning before we train and equip a fire brigade. Whose job is it to defend New Zealand? Naturally it is everybody’s job, old and young, but more especially young, irrespective of class, creed or political opinion. Eombs do not differentiate. Everything possible is being done by experienced officers to make Territorial training as attractive as possible. Consideration is given to employers so that business shall not be adversely affected by too many employees being away at camp at one time, by arranging for secondary camps and courses at Trentham. Some 30 employers in the town have undertaken to permit Territorial members of their staffs to attend annual camp in addition to their holidays and to subsidise their camp pay up to their normal wages. Monday night has been provisionally chosen for parades in order not to clash with football practice, and attendance at drill will be recorded by hours and not parades so that students at Tech, may come on parade at 8.30 and thus qualify for pay. A movement is afoot to form a Feilding Territorial Association to attend to the comfort, social and sports side of the company. Some 70 men, who have already expressed their intention to join a Feeding Territorial Company, will be attending at the Drill Hall on Monday next, June 2G, at 7.30 p.m. to join the Wellington West Coast Regiment. The Mayor, Mr. T. E. Seddon, will preside. Thirty men are still required to bring Feilding up to company strength arid there is little doubt that from among the many fit and healthy young men between the ages of 18 and 32, this number will be more than forthcoming, thus proving that Feilding and the surrounding district still breeds, as in the past, men who value their heritage, homes and loved ones more than their own personal comforts, who can put aside their private likes and dislikes to combine with their neighbours iu mutual support of a common ideal, the defence of New Zealand. Remember, every man who hangs back i* encouraging the aggressor, and helping the creed of might conquering right.