THE DEFENCE ISSUE.

Otago Witness, Issue 3101, 20 August 1913, Page 26

THE DEFENCE ISSUE.

MR MYERS SPEAKS OUT. NOT A PARTY MATTER. (From Ouk Own Correspondent ) WELLINGTON, August 14. In liis speech to-night Mr Myors (cxMinistcr for Defence) made some outspoken remarks regarding the defence j question. “ We cannot,” said Mr Myors, “ afford I to treat this question lightly or in a party ! spirit. I, for one, am prepared to stand before any audience in the dominion and associate myself with those who are endeavouring to train our young people to defend the country should occasion require ; it. —(“ Hear, hear.”) It will do them good I physically, mentally, and industrially.” i The member for Grey, continued Mr Myers, had stated that no had a message ■ from the democracy on this matter. He j believed that the people who shared Mr

Webb’s opinions on this subject only comprised 3 per cent, of the population. Mr Webb : Why not take a referendum ? Mr Myers : I am prepared to stand up before West Coasters, the people of Waihi, or any other place and proclaim the sentiments that I have uttered here to-night and that I proclaimed as Minister for Defence.—(“ Hear, hear ” from both sides of the House.) Mr Webb : What about British demo cracy ? Mr Myers : In due time they will follow our example.—(Dissent from Mr Webb.) It is our duty to ourselves, our country, and our traditions to speak openly on this question. I shall never treat this question as a party one. Mr Webb: Why not train the men and not the boys? Myers : The boys must be trained so that they will be prepared to take their places in the ranks when they become men. I would rather lose my seat in this House than take back one word of what I have said on this subject. I am prepared to advocate my views before any audience.— (“ Hear, hear.”) Mr Webb: I will meet you before any audience.

Mr Bell, a Government supporter, who followed Mr Myers, heartily congratulated the latter on his vigorous exposition of the principles of the defence system.