MILITARY TRAINING

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23225, 24 June 1937, Page 7

MILITARY TRAINING

TO THE EDITOR

Sir, —In this morning’s issue of your pacer I read a letter by a worthy contributor calling himself a “Non-com-batant." I would like to ask this person how much actual military experience he has had? Moreover, does he read the papers extensively concerning military matters? I do not think he can, when he asks what need there is of compulsory training. In the present state of the world any military training is more than a benefit, it is a national insurance. I enjoyed my

military training in the compulsory days, but I have enjoyed it still more during the period of voluntary training of which I have been an active participant ever since it was introduced. X take my hat off to every one of the fellows who have joined up and remained with us. It is very easy to observe military discipline, and it is a pleasure to do so, when one only realises why it gives the backbone to the army. One unconsciously uses it in everyday life when accustomed to it, and I fail to see yet where it has done harm.

New Zealand is waking up tq the fact that some form of training is required for the rising generation, and, although I do not possibly advqcate compulsory training, every single young man should be made to see the benefit to himself and to others of undergoing a course of military training. . , The old volunteer spirit, away back in the early days, gave us the freedom which the British Commonwealth of Nations now enjoys. Are we going to continue to enjoy this freedom in future or just be trodden under by some other more forceful nation? How would “ Non-combatant ” like to bo now wearing a swastika or to be sent to Spain ruthlessly to slay innocent peoples? This would undoubtedly have happened if Britain had not had the material to call on in the last fracas. Pray God, this will never happen again, but the way everything is going makes one far from confident about the future. New Zealand is faraway from the seat of the present troubles, and no doubt, being a member of the British Commonwealth of Nations, is secure under Britain’s care. But should Britain be suddenly taxed to her utmost what becomes of little New Zealand and all its non-combatants? An easy prey to anyone who cares to take her, . It is ridiculous that there should be only a few volunteers to look after us, but yet the state of efficiency to which this little band has attained causes us to believe that it would make its mark. Two hours a fortnight are not much to spare for military training, apd should any young fellow feel least bit interested by reason of this letter, I shall feel that it has not been written in vain.—l am, etc., Combatant. Lawrence, June 22.