UNIVERSAL MILITARY TRAINING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 13491, 18 May 1907, Page 5

UNIVERSAL MILITARY TRAINING.

MEETING IN LONDON.

By Telegraph.—Press Association.— Copyright. - London, May 16. Me. Deakin and Lord Reay addressed a crowded meeting of members of the National Service League in Queen's Hall yesterday, relative to the importance of universal military ■'~ training. Lord Reay stated that he would shortly visit Switzerland to study the question.

(Received May 17, 9.50. p.m.)

London, May 17.

.;,: Mr.. Deakin had an immense ;} ovation at the Queen's Hall. He said the Australians were doing their best to fit themselves for an extraordinary emergency, though he believed that while the British .navy remained they could sit secure in their own domain. They had hot dwelt on martial pictures, nor encouraged military display, but felt '■: the time might come even to the most peaceful of citizens when concession and passivity would become unmanly. Then force must be applied. ; Theyf w,ere;' doing their '' best to : ; prepare themselves to discharge in full measure their responsibilities . to « their country and King.

He ; explained Australia's cadet system, and the organisation of the rifle clubs, and said they were -doing their utmost to develop, individual responsibility. ,-, Lord Milner, who was loudly cheered, moved a vote of thanks to Mr. Deakin, whom he complimented in the warmest terms. He referred to Mr. Deakin's ; amazing capacity or ; work, and the immensity of his labours in the past few weeks- ; Lord Milner proceeded : "I do not suppose that we all agree with Mr. i Deakin's opinions, though . personally I do not find myself in disagreement with any of his views, but I am sure all will admit that his presence in Great Britain, his spirit, and his personality, have given an immense impulse to the idea of what ,is called " Imperial," but what I prefer to • call "national" unity. Mr. ), D eakih is commonly supposed to.: have been treated with a certain amount of t official cold water. Probably he did not expect anything else. He will be more . than compensated in : the warmth of the welcome he is certain to receive - ; in any assembly of , unofficial ; Britons in whatever part of the world he goes. _He has won for himself a permanent place in the minds and affections of the British people. (Cheers.) .

Lord Roberts also thanked' Mr. Deakin for his presence, and for his speech., . ;.:•