Mr Hamilton Gives Cordial Support to P.M's Defence Appeal

Northern Advocate, 24 May 1939, Page 5

Mr Hamilton Gives Cordial Support to P.M's Defence Appeal

[Per Press Association. Copyright l i INVERCARGILL, This Day.

PRIME MINISTER’S STATEMENT ON DEFENCE WILL CAUSE A FEELING OF GENERAL RELIEF AMONG ALL SECTIONS OF THE COMMUNITY,’' SAID THE LEADER GF THE OPPOSITION, THE HON. A HAMILTON, IN COMMENTING ON MR SAVAGE’S APPEAL FOR VOLUNTEERS.

“The announcement goes far beyond anything previously suggested by the present Government as the minimum requirement for the defence of New Zealand.

O Might Have Gene Further. “I cordially endorse and support the Prime Minister’s appeal, and urge all those in the age groups concerned to enrol immediately,” Mr Hamilton added, “In my opinion, and without wishing in any way to detract from the Government’s proposals, the announcement could have gone further and provided for a system of universal training anct preparation for the defence of New Zealand, instead of leaving our defence to willing horses. “It must be clear to everyone that the training of the personnel can not be undertaken overnight. Modern warfare is a complicated and intricate science, and quite a long period of intensive training is necessary to give our defenders the best possible chance i of protecting those who look to them i for protection.”

Plans Awaited, Mr Savage stated that plans for the organisation of the civilian population were under way, and Mr Hamilton presumed those plans would be made public as soon as practicable. It was essential in time of invasion for the non-combatant population to know and go quietly about its allotted tasks, he cfaid, thus assuring the maximum of efficiency in the defence of the country. Unfair Comparison.

Mr Hamilton said that he cordially agreed that the defence of New Zealand transcended all questions of party politics, and he thought the Prime Minister might easily have resisted the temptation to make party capital by his unfair comparison of the present Government’s defence expenditure during its time of office with expenditure during the previous Government’s last year of office.

Changing Conditions, “Much as we dislike the very idea of even preparing for war, we have to face the stern realities of the present uncertain situation, and if wo do that we cannot escape the conclusion that steps previously thought to be quite unnecessary are today urgently essential,” said Mr Hamilton. “Today we have to look upon training for defence as the essential part of the equipment of every young man in the community. We give him a good educational training in general knowledge and equip him for the battle of life, and we should also now equip him with the ability to defend his country in its hour of need.

Benefits to Youth

“I arn sure if our entire youth popu-

lation was given a thorough course under the most congenial conditions practicable, the inculcation of discipline, the physical training involved, pnd the teaching of its responsibilities to its country and to its follow-men would immensely improve the citizenship and the general outlook, good health and physique of our people. I cordially support the Prime Minister's appeal, and hope that it will meet with the response its importance deserves, and which the country’s needs demand.”