ARE WE READY?

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22824, 7 March 1936, Page 18

ARE WE READY?

TO THE EDITOB Sir,— Germany's apt remarfc on Britain's White Paper, that she could not understand why Britain lacked recruits when she has over 2,000,000 unemployed, leads one to wonder what the condition of our defences is. For a sudden attack we stand an open invitation to the various Powers that believe in expansion. _ Australia is employed day and night in the manufacture of ammunition, and is intent on increasing and maintaining an adequate air force. Here in New Zealand it i« very difficult for us to learn flying, owing to the expense. Why does not the Government co-operate, and if it cannot see its way to pay those eager to learn, at least make conditions easier for them. If Britain can find £300,000,000 to increase her defences, surely we can find something, too. It is the right of every New Zealand citizen who pays taxes to feel that N we are able to rise to any emergency and thus have a certain insurance against attack. In that eventuality at present our fine young airmen would be subject to the risk of getting a name for cowardice, as they would have to stay on the ground, or go up and drop bags of flour. Does Mr Jones, Minister of Defence, know that we have been taxed f 150,000 for torpedo-bombers, and if the emerg- 1 ency arose our Wildebeestes and other aircraft would be totally useless, as there is not one bomb or ammunition of any kind available?—l am, etc., March 6. Be PREPARED.