DEFENCE
Sir, —What can the returned soldier expect from the rest of New Zealand in the way of trained support? As any returned man knows an untrained man is worse than useless and is a menace to everyone as he cannot be trusted to obey and carry out orders under adverse conditions. Colonel Puttick states that New Zealand might not have the latest equipment, but there was no need to worry on that score. Does he consider that our chances are equal with out-of-date equipment against trained forces armed with the latest arms? Would not we be in a better position to save New Zealand and the lives of many men if we had these latest arms?
No returned soldier objects to fighting for New Zealand. He has once already and will do so again, but he does expect loyal and trained support from the rest of New Zealand—not only from a few truly loyal territorials, as is the case now. Is he asking too much? That is for the Government and people of New Zealand to answer. Has New Zealand reached such a state of deterioration that it has to rely on men of 50 years and a handful of territorials to defend it from capture? If so is it worth saving? If New Zealand is worth living in it is worth fighting for. If it is not worth fighting for then get out. 17556.
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Bibliographic details
New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23320, 13 April 1939, Page 15
Word Count
236DEFENCE New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23320, 13 April 1939, Page 15
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