APATHY TOWARD DEFENCE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23148, 21 September 1938, Page 14

APATHY TOWARD DEFENCE

The lack of public interest in defence matters is deplored by the Hon. W. Peiu-y, president of the New Zealand Defence League. If lie had said "individual interest" he would have used a better term. There are many signs of increasing public interest, indeed of public anxiety, particularly in regard to the land forces, but if the deficiency is to be made good there must be a wide sense of personal responsibility not only among those lit to serve but also among the many who can help to awaken an enthusiastic initiative. At a time when the issue of peace or war seems to have been hanging on a hair trigger, when the uncertainties of the situation demand precautionary preparations in every quarter of the Empire no matter how remote it may be from Europe, it is not creditable that New Zealand's land forces should be so far short of the recently reduced establishment. There is 110 question about the readiness of New Zealanders to defend their country and, if need be, to help the common cause overseas, but without training that spirit will be of little value in a sudden emergency. For years the average territorial has failed to qualify as an effective reservist because he has remained too short a time in the force and has not been sufficiently regular in attendance at parades and camps to pass from the recruit stage. To-day the ranks are not full and the shortage of young officers is appalling. But if the young men arc slack and blind to a sense of national duty the same may be said of the public in general, who with rare exceptions show no interest in local units and give no encouragement and incentive to youth. j