DEFENCE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23381, 24 June 1939, Page 19

DEFENCE

Sir, —During the last year or so we have seen many and varied opinions as to whether New Zealand really requires a defence force, but what we have not seen is a clear-cut, feasible scheme presented by our Parliamentary leaders. If our Government, would only apply a little of the enthusiasm with which it. diligently pursued the question of trade unionism, to make itself secure of tenure, we would have an army instant and beyond reproach, instead of a series of spasmodic efforts. 1 wonder if any of our politicians in power or opposition have stopped to consider that the younger men of today who are required for our home defence are largely those who had such a rotten start in life during the last 10 years, and these men whose ages approximate -0 to .'SO years constitute the gravest part of our unskilled labour problem and are also the same men who if handled correctly would constitute the backbone of our defence force. If the present powers that be insist that the voluntary method is the correct way to raise an army then why follow antiquated methods and why expect these men to give all and receive nothing in return? T wish to suggest a scheme which, if adopted, would assure an adequate defence force of the right type of man and it would guarantee a reasonable return for his services. Briefly, that a defence force be formed for four years' service, the first year to be devoted completely to army and physical training —the latter , three subdivided into part-time trade, technical and continuation of soldiering. It woidd be necessary to have camps of one thousand men. and each one would specialise in a different trade. At the completion of the four years the soldiers would go on to the reserve for a further four years. They would sit for examinations of a reasonable standard of efficiency to permit them being accepted as trade members with full benefits in the representative union. If a man failed then he would be permitted a further one year's service. Font Ykaks' Active Service.