A CITIZEN ARMY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13767, 4 June 1908, Page 6

A CITIZEN ARMY.

COMPULSORY TRAINING.

SUPPORTED BY FARMERS.

Inclcdbd in the subjects dealt with by (lie delegates to the Farmers' Union Conference at Feilding was the question of compulsory military training. The discussion was remarkable for tin- unanimity of opinion of the delegates as to the necessity for preparing tor eventualities. Sir. J. Eseott (Woodville) moved: ■•Thai the conference supports compulsory universal military training." The volunteer system, lie said, did not provide sufficient trained men to defend the country. The only solution of the difficulty was compulsory tiaining,, and in a democratic country like this every man should take his share of providing for the defence of his country. {Hear, hear.) It would be.to the advantage of the young, even if they were never called upon to fire a shot in defence, to be trained. In all parts of the white world people were moving for the exclusion ot the Asiatic races. The Asiatic races were two-thirds of the people of the entire globe, and the policy of phut ting them up in one continent*was only worth the power that, could be out behind it. Mr, ■!. Birch (Marton) said he was glad to see a ]>oin< had been made of discipline. An armed mob was of absolutely no use. Mr. R. McKenzie (Rongotea) did not think the time, had torn" when this country should be made a military one like Germany. It' a man could use his rifle ho could bo drilled in a couple of weeks.

Mr. D. McGregor declared that he was against militarism as much as any man, but people, were preparing to go to war with us.

Mr. Tliggi- 1 (Wanganut) said he wis surprised to hoar Mr. McKenzie, an old volunteer, speak ns he had. He supported the motion.

Mr. Crabb (Kimbolton) pointed out that the motion did not mean turning the country over to militarism. The Swiss system, or some moderation of it. would do.

Mr. W. B. Matheson lEketahuna) looked upon a trained nation as the best guarantee of peace. Mr. Perritl (Sandon), who .said he had been in service on sea and land, heartily supported the motion. In replying, Mr Escott laid stress on the point that what they were aiming at was a purely civilian movement. The motion was carried unanimously.