P.M. Makes Final Appeal For Yes' Vote Tomorrow

Northern Advocate, 2 August 1949, Page 6

P.M. Makes Final Appeal For Yes' Vote Tomorrow

CHRISTCHURCH, Tue. (P.A.). —In an eve-of-the-poll statement, the Prime Minister (Mr Fraser) urged every elector to jnake sure of voting tomorrow.

“All those of goodwill and intention towards our own country, and who value its institutions, its social security and justice, will vote in favour of compulsory military training by striking out the bottom line and thus defend those precious possessions against all Enemies outside and inside New Zealand,” he said.

“Every person with the good of the country at heart will agree that New Zealand and its vital interests should be defended against aggression. “Even most of our prominent opponents agree with this.

“I urge people to give tomorrow their overwhelming approval to the means which. are necessary to ensux'e the security of the nation to enable us to make our contribution towards the defence of New Zealand and to enable us to make our contribution towards the security of the British Commonwealth and that democracy and freedom for which it stands. COMMONSENSE

“We are all peace-loving people, but if ever we do find ourselves compelled to defend our country, our homes and our Commonwealth, then there is no doubt that all men over 21 will be liable for service.”

Mr Fraser added: “Our principal anti-training opponents say that they are in favour of war-time conscription.

“It is then, surely, plain commonsense to give young men who will be automatically involved an elementary knowledge of defence to prevent needless casualties, which would be inevitable if war suddenly burst on men untrained and without even elementary instruction as to how to protect themselves. “IF YOU VOTE AGAINST” “If you vote against training, by your votes, you are condemning many of them unnecessarily to wounds, suffering and even to death. “The training scheme will not bring young men nearer to war. “In the tragic event of war, which New Zealand will do everything to prevent, not one of them will be compelled to go overseas until he is over 21. “Training at 18 will interfere to the least possible extent with the careers of young men. _ “To many, it will just be an extension of cadet training. “The Government’s scheme provides for 14 weeks’ modern military training in the first year and 14 days, plus six parades, in the second, third and fourth years. “That is all that is asked of the young men when they reach 18. CLOSE EXAMINATION “This scheme was decided on after the closest consideration and examination of our defence needs, and of the requirements for the maximum contribution to the defence of the British Commonwealth.

“It was the subject of discussion with our own general staff and the Minister of Defence of the United Kingdom (Mr Alexander), and the General Staff and chiefs of staff of the British forces.’’