NO CONSCRIPTION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22988, 16 March 1938, Page 12

NO CONSCRIPTION

MILITARY TRAINING MINISTER'S STATEMENT MORE RECRUITS NEEDED FORCES BELOW STRENGTH []JY TELEGRAPH—IVRESS ASSOCIATION] OHRISTCHURCH, Tuesday "Conscription for the territorial forces will not be reintroduced," said the Minister of Defence, the Hon. F. Jones, to-day when discussing the desire of the Government that more recruits should enroll. The Government's policy, he said, was not to build a force of 30,000 or 40,000 territorials, but one of high efficiency from which leaders could be obtained if the need arose, and of sufficient strength to provide for coastal defence.

The reservist force in which recruits are given three months' instruction during which vocational guidance is prominent, was strongly supported by the Minister. In Canterbury, he said, 70 reservists had now been trained and they would be called upon for coastal defence work. The aim was to place young men under training after the cessation of seasonal occupations, but a late start was made last year and men were now being trained in three batches throughout the year. To confine the period of training would necessitate the employment of more instructors. Government's Policy "The reintroduction of compulsion has not been considered," said Mr. Jones. "The reorganisation of the military forces has been under way for only six months, and the Government's introduction of mechanisation of forces, week-end camps and schools of instruction has proved a success. The special reserve is undoubtedly a great success."

The change in policy has made the territorial force more attractive to youths, who should find a popular outlet for activity, physical development, instructional advancement and service to their country by joining the force, which was still below strength. "Wfl would welcome suitable men who desire to take an interest in military work," said Mr. Jones. "Efficiency rather than numbers is the aim, and business men could help the country—and many are doing so —hv encouraging their employees to join the territorials and by giving them leave to attend the camps." Action Appreciated The co-operation of the employers was appreciated by the Government, and they were given a splendid example by the action of the Hamilton business men •who had responded most generously to the request that their employees attached to the Medium Battery should be allowed leave.

Questioned, the Minister admitted that the territorial strength was not as high as the Government and military authorities desired. He said the type of young men now being attracted to training was especially high, the youth possessing splendid physique and enthusiasm for the work, which had lost much of its old-time drudgery.