VOLUNTEER SYSTEM

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23057, 7 June 1938, Page 12

VOLUNTEER SYSTEM

CRITICISM BY FARMERS SUPPORT FOR RECRUITING BETTER CONDITIONS NEEDED [from our own correspondent] HAMILTON, Monday The present volunteer system was the subject of much criticism at a meeting of ■ the Waikato executive of the Farmers' Union. A resolution was moved by Colonel C. J. Tierce, officer in command of the First Composite Mounted Rifles Regiment, "That the Farmers' Union branches in the Auckland Province be* asked to actively support recruiting, and that each branch be invited to find a certain number of recruits." Mr. G. D. Hunter said he had recently attended a camp at Papakura, where the officers, although below strength, were present in tho proportion of 0110 to each six men. In the past the Auckland brigade had comprised four regiments, yet a recent camp held at Rotorua had shown only 25 per cent of the present paper strength. Recruiting was foiling off very rapidly, and the volunteer system seemed to be a complete failure. "Wo might as well not have a defence torce at all," he added. Mr. W. H. Allen said that as far as the Mounted Rifles were concerhed there had always been volunteers, but in the towns there was no general response to the volunteer system. It could merely result in the forging of a political weapon. Tho only way to prevent such a development was to havo compulsory training imposed on nil sections of the community. Mr. H. H. Schweiters considered that all men up to tho age of 50 should be enlisted. The task of defending the country was not merely tho responsibility of youth. Mr. Pierce said the present Government had given more encouragement to the army than any other administration in tho last 20 years. Tho only way in which to improvo tho situation was to offer tho men better conditions. Mr. Pierce's resolution was carried, as was another moved by him in which it was decided to press for improved pay and better conditions of service for volunteers.