NATIONAL DEFENCE.
Sir Joseph Ward is evidently waiting to see. how public opinion declares itself before he commits himself upon the question of universal training, which has been so wholeheartedly championed by Mr. Deakiu in Australia. Yet it is evident, . apart from the statements made at yesterday's deputation to the Prime Minister from the National League, that the question cannot much longer be left unanswered. The volunteer force'is constantly becoming less adequate for its possible work, in spite of the patience and devotion of those whose belief in personal service is shown by their voluntary actions. And unless the Dominion is prepared' to depend wholly upon " the first line of defence," and accept the worst should that line break, the advisability of " compulsory volunteering" will have to be considered. We have no doubt what the verdict of the country will be w"hen the situation is brought home to 'it but in the meanwhile valuable time is being wasted which might be saved if the Prime Minister had the courage of his convictions upon this profoundly vital question. < -:.; ,
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Bibliographic details
New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13709, 27 March 1908, Page 4
Word Count
177NATIONAL DEFENCE. New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13709, 27 March 1908, Page 4
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