MILITARY TRAINING

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23219, 17 June 1937, Page 10

MILITARY TRAINING

DEPLETED STATE OF FORCES COMPULSORY SYSTEM FAVOURED Military training and the defence of New Zealand were referred to at the annual reunion of the Dynedin Highland Pipe Band last night when Sergeantmajors J. Bowman, S. M'Kenzie, and A. Johnson replied to the toast of “ The Navy, the Army, and the Air Forces.”

The performance of the Dunedin Highland Pipe Band at the parade on Coronation Day had been of a high standard and had created a good deal of favourable comment, said Sergeant-major M'Kenzie. It was to be hoped that the Prime Minister would bring back information which would be of benefit to the defence forces of the Dominion, for in the event of hostilities breaking out New Zealand might be left to her own resources. The parade on Coronation Day, he continued, had revealed the existence of a definite lack of numbers in the military forces. The material offering, however, was of a high standard, and he suggested that employers should assist in building up New Zealand’s fighting strength by allowing their employees to link up with the territorial forces.

The opinion was expressed by Sergeant-major Johnson that the volunteer system of training was not a success and until compulsory training was reintroduced New Zealand’s defence services would not be of any standing. • If more young men would get into uniform and attend military training they would go a long way towards improving r the manhood of the country. Military training had never done anyone any harm, and he strongly purged all young men to face the position squarely.