ARMY RECRUITING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22481, 27 July 1936, Page 6

ARMY RECRUITING

SUPPORT BY BISHOP STRENGTH NEEDED FOR PEACE [from OT7B own correspondent] LONDON, July 1 A striking appeal for the encouragement of recruiting was made by the Bishop of Durham, Dr. Hensley Henson, at the Durham Diocesan Conference. He held that in the forces of the Crown provided an honourable career which, in the present state of the world, ought to make a strong appeal to manly and patriotic Englishmen. The full mischief of the inferiority of the forces of the Crown became apparent when the vital issue of international peace was raised. "The British Empire stands for peace." said Dr. Henson. "Its interests and its duty point in the same direction. In a heavily armed world, unarmed or inadequately armed the British Empire cannot play its part. In a unique measure the fortunes pf mankind turn on the policy and influence of the English-speaking communities, and particularly on the people of this country. Because we stand for liberty, tolerance and justice, we stand for the only peace which can be self-respecting, beneficent and permanent. Not for the first time in history is Britain charged .with' the cause of humanity itself." Dr. Henson expressed his strong disapproval of the agitation against recruitment, which had found noisy expression in his diocese. He hoped the clergy and laity would do their utmost to encourage recruitment as well by personal example, whore that was possible, as by making it as easy as they could to young men in their empf'Ovment to join the Territorial- Force. He described the military service as a "great profession." "We in England only <iraw our swords for causes which the approval of our consciences," he said. "Do yoti think peace is to be got by talking about it? Like everything else that is worth having, it can only be. got by sorrow, sacrifice and effort. The soldier stands in the vanguard of those who are seeking peace." Lord Stanley, M.P., Secretary to the 'Admiralty, speaking at Rossall School Speech Day, referred to the defence of the country. "If war does come," he said, "it will not be confined, as in tho past, to a mere clashing of professional armies, but will include the whole of the civilian population. Service in joining 'the Territorial Army is the highest form of patriotism and citizenship, and ought to be encouraged in every possible wav."