DEFENCE NEEDS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23124, 24 August 1938, Page 15

DEFENCE NEEDS

TERRITORIAL STRENGTH OPPOSITION CRITICISM URGENT CALL FOR INCREASE DUTY OF THE GOVERNMENT [BY TELEGRAPH —SPECIAL REPORTER] WELLINGTON, Tuesday The state of the territorial forces came in for a measure of Opposition criticism during the discussion on the Army Estimates in tho House of Representatives to-night. The point was made that the Government had a duty to educate public opinion to tho need for adequate defence. Tho Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates (Opposition —Kaipara) said tho Government did not appear to be giving the matter the consideration it deserved. Mr. W. P. Endoan (Opposition— Parnell): Look at tho number of Government members present. Mr. Coates: There does not appear to bo a single member on tho Government side of the Houso with a thought in his head on defence. Exchange with Minister The Minister of Finance, tho Hon. W. Nash: Wo have got better results than you ever had. Mr. Coates: There is one thing, I am not a political wriggler. There is one champion at that in this House and that is the Minister of Finance. There was an urgent call to build up tho ranks of the territorial force, Mr. Coates continued. At present it. appeared that there was a shortage of about 2000.

The Minister of Defence, the Hon. F. Jones: We have Riven increased rates of pay and I do not think conditions are hotter in any country in the Empire."This is the responsibility of the Government," said Mr. Coat.es, "and ihe position cannot remain where it is. The whole country should he interested in the matter of defence and it is a serious business when we cannot get up to a quota of 9000, which by no stretch of the imagination can bo regarded as adequate. L wonder whether the Government has considered giving other inducements to recruiting." Employers Generally Helpful Mr. Jones: The territorial strength has increased by 400 since March 31. Mr. Coatcs: 1 do not think employers are standing in the way.

Mr. Jones: No, generally speaking they have been yery helpful. " I know of many employers, manufacturers and others, who have done everything possible," said Mr. Coates. " They have given members of their staffs leave to attend camps in addition to annual leave and they have continued paying wages while .the men are in camp." " We have to educate the public up to its responsibilities," said Mr. Endean. "We have been told by the Old Country that we have to look after our own defences in the future." Mr. Jones: I do not know what authority there is for that. Mr. Endean: It came out in the cable news months ago. Reply by Mr. Jones Other points raised by Mr. Coates concerned the development of coast defences and the Government's plans for anti-gas precautions. " The coast defences are nearing completion," said the Minister, " and further works are being undertaken at present. With regard to anti-gas precautions we are following similar lines to those adopted in Australia. There will be training in the defence forces, of course, and certain key personnel, such as the members of fire brigades, will also be trained in decontamination work and other measures. We do not think it necessary to provide equipment or training for the entire population. That advice has also been given to the Australian Government." HELPING YOUNG MEN TERRITORIAL RESERVE , SUCCESSFUL DEVELOPMENT [BY TELEGRAPH—SPECIAL REPORTER] WELLINGTON, Tuesday The successful development of the special territorial reserve was outlined by the, Minister of Defence, the Hon. E. Jones, during the consideration of the Army estimates in tho House of Beprosentativcs to-night. "1 think it should be recognised what is being done with regard to the special reserve," said the Minister. "Young men who would otherwise be unemployed are given periods of concentrated training for defence purposes and at the same time arc given vocational training to fit them for civilian occupations. Quite recently a committee has been set up comprising representatives of tho Labour Department, the railway workshops, the technical colleges and tho Army, and its duty is to go into the question of vocational training. "Many of these young men in the special reserve join the permanent forces, hut others aro being fitted for places in private industry. Welders are wanted in this country and so aro carpenters and our aim is to give the men preliminary training in the initial steps and then place them in work as trainees. That is far better than turning them into labourers. The scheme as a whole has proved a pronounced success."