NO ACTION TAKEN

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23574, 7 February 1940, Page 12

NO ACTION TAKEN

NATIONAL SERVICE ISSUE MOUNT ALBERT COUNCIL Aii amendment that a letter from the campaign secretary of the New Zealand Defence League setting before the council a proposal for national service he excepted was moved by Mr. F. E; Martin at a meeting of the Mount Albert Borough Council last night, when the Mayor,.Mr. H. A. Anderson, proposed that the inward correspondence be received. Mr. Martin said he was not concerned with the ethics of the matter, but only with the organisation's right to ask the council to give an opinion oh such a question. "The writers of this letter," continued Mr. Martin, "want to use this council for the purpose of putting before the Government some scheme of their own regarding military service. To me this letter is an insult. This council is not in a position to express an opinion, and any opinion would be that of ten or 11 people, and not of the borough. We are here to look after the borough, and not to deal with national matters. The Government can do its work without any interference." "I look upon this letter in the same way," said Mr. IT. Barnes, in seconding' the amendment. "If there is a question of conscription, T consider a national referendum is necessary." After objection had been made by two other councillors to the suggestion tliat the letter should not be reeeivecL the Mavor stated that, while he agreed with much of what had been said, he was going to propose that the letter should be received and no action be taken. The amendment was defeated, and the Mayor's motion carried.