DEFENCE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20620, 19 July 1930, Page 14

DEFENCE.

Sir, —The staff corps lias trior] its hand at recommendations for economy of the forces And naturally has produced a scheme that has preserved its own emoluments and sacrificed everything else. Might one suggest that n more serviceable scheme would he obtained if there were appointed a commission of senior territorial officers, who have the interests of the force ns a whole at, heart, and whose bread and butter does not depend on the result. There .ire plenty of these quite as competent as any staff officer who would be only too ready and willing to place their experience at the disposal of the Government. Tep.rttobtat,.

Sir, —One leads with amazement, of thn objection expressed by a lew unthinking people to compulsory military training. Why they object to compulsion in this case and not in other directions is beyond my comprehension. If defence is necessary. and 1 claim that it is, is it not, just that all who are able should be compelled t o do their little bit ; Why should we ask only those to shoulder the whole burden who, through feelings of loyalty or keenness, are prepared to sacrifice their time and their lives if necessary? Is it just and worthy of Britishers to ask such a thing? Do those who are so free with their objections to compulsion ever think of the sacrifice fhey are asking of a volunteer if a crisis should arise ? Is it just to expect volunteers to fight in the defence of the Empire in time of need while the sons of those who object to compulsion get off scot free ? Remember every j volunteer is some mother's son. Universal.