MILITARY "AT HOME" AT OAMARU.

Otago Witness, Issue 3005, 18 October 1911, Page 53

MILITARY "AT HOME" AT OAMARU.

INSPIRITING SPEECHES. (From Our Own Correspondent.) OAMARTJ, October 12.

No opposition has. ever been shown here to the compulsory military training system,; but that it commands a great amount of public sympathy was shown tonight, the occasion being a Territorial "At Home" organised by the 'North Otago officers. Though a small charge was made for admission, the proceeds going to the hospital, the large Drill Hall was well filled, the ladies mustering in strong force. Apologies for inability to be present were received from General Godley and Lieut.-colonel Smythe, besides prominent citizens. A number of short -speeches favouring the system were made, and were heartily applauded, and a good evening's entertainment was furnished in the way. of military displays and musical items. - 1 *'

Chaplain-major Rev. J. D. Russell expressed his great pleasure a.t seeing so' large a gathering, and urged parents and friends to do all in their power to encourage the young men in their, military training. Quoting the lines "Give us men, strong and stalwart men worthy of their sires," Major Russell contended that the training in discipline, physical training, and patriotism under the Territorial system was of inestimable value to the young men of : the Dominion. Young New Zealanders were made of excellent material;, but they needed discipline to make them stalwart men in the higher sense of the word. He had no sympathy with those who decried this military train-, ing. The very men who needed it most were those who would not undertake it voluntarily. It also tended to instil a deeper patriotism, which was one of the virtues of the Great Master Himself, whose tears at the coming ruin of his country showed the depth of his patriotism. The speaker contended that the Territorial training would develop a personal love for the British flag and all it typified in our young men. He yielded to no man as a greater lover of peace, but if ever our country was invaded it would be every man's duty to defend his home and the women and children about him. That duty could be best performed by stalwart men, well-trained men, who would command confidence and admiration.

Chaplain-captain Rev. R. J. Porter also gave a whole-hearted support to the system. He was, he said, a strong believer in military training, and believed that after the country had had short experience of the compulsory system people would come to the conclusion that it was of great advantage to the young men.. He never met a young man who had expressed a serious objection to the system. He could not understand any, who recognised that a time might come when it would be necessary to defend the country, opposing a military training which was necessary for effective defence. The training' would ensure physical development, and he believed also moral development.

Colonel Heard, Director of Military Instruction, also spoke, assuring parents that they need have no fears for their sons, and referring,to'the building-up influence of a military training.