DEFENCE ECONOMY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20622, 22 July 1930, Page 10

DEFENCE ECONOMY.

ATTITUDE OF THE LEAGUE.

PROGRAMME OF ACTIVITIES.

EDUCATING PUBLIC OPINION*

[Bt TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.] WELLINGTON. Monday.

The recently-revived National Defence League has decided 011 its programme of work, which extends up to the time of the next general election. An appeal has been issued for funds to bo raised by districts.

Tho league recognises that educational work will bo needed to achieve anything, for public opinion must bo aroused. It advises branches to make it clear that they follow tho principles which aro sot out in a circular. These include a nonparty attitude, which makes it imperative that no party shall bo mentioned by name, that the league supports tho League of Nations, desires no enemies, favours disdisarmament, but only as other nations disarm and security is guaranteed; has no desire for war, and considers that New Zealand's whole destiny is dependent solely upon the safety of tho British Empire. Publicity in every way is advised, and tho final admonition of tho general council to branches and district councils alike is: Support universal defensivo training for both territorials and senior cadets, and do not distinguish between tho two, the country's military advisers being tlio best judges as to value." The leaguo's contention is that by tho reduction of the defence vote New Zealand will be placed in a grave position as regards her ability to defend herself or fulfil her obligations to the Empire; that this situation has been emphasised by the great weakening of British naval power; that the Defenco Department i 3 being asked to bear far too great a proportion of the £3,000,000 deficit; that tlio machinery of the department must not bo interfered with; than aiiy reduction must be temporary; and that "at all hazards we must stick to the Defence Act." VOLUNTEERS FOR SERVICE. AUCKLAND REGIMENT'S PLAN. Twenty-five officers and 34 lion-commis-siotied officers of tho Ist Battalion, Auckland Regiment, volunteered at a meeting last evening to keep the name of tho regiment alivo while the Government's defence retrenchment is in force. A large number of others who were unable to attend the meeting have intimated their intention of keeping tho name of tho regiment in the honoured position which it holds. Lieuten-ant-Colonel T. 11. Dawson, who presided, said he could not enlarge upon what was already known from the newspapers concerning tho cut. He said that if the officers and non-commissioned officers would stand by and keep things going for 12 months, or perhaps a shorter period, they would have leaders capable of taking over whatever form of training was instituted. Advanced training would be done in subjects which former training left little time to give attention to, and if they could make arrangements with their employers there was the prospect of a six days' camp for a limited number. Colonel Dawson also said that his deepest regret was that there had been 110 proper opportunity of officers and men meeting in a final parade. However, a battalion smoke concert was to be arranged at an early date, and the occasion would givo officers the opportunity to farewell their men.

OPINION IN DTJNEDIN.

DEFENCE ACT SUPPORTED.

[Br TELEGRAriT. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.] DO'EDIN, Monday.

A meeting of tho newly-formed Olago District Council of the National Defence League was held this afternoon. Sir James Allen was elected president and the Mavor of Punedin, Mr. R. S. Black, and Mr. J. J. Clark, vice-presi-dents. . . The meeting expressed the opinion that while recognising the necessity for economies, nothing should bo done to alter the present Defence Act and the policy underlying it until tho wholo question of defence had been thoroughly investigated and reported on by Royal Commission. Tho meeting also considered that it was undesirable to reduce the personnel of the New Zealand Staff Coips and permanent staff until tho report of the Royal Commission had been received.