N. Z. DEFENCE LEAGUE.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 13653, 10 September 1937, Page 5

N. Z. DEFENCE LEAGUE.

TO ASSIST NEW POLICY

Electric Telegraph—Press Association WELLINGTON, September 9.

Questions of policy and future activities of the Defence League of New Zealand were considered at a meeting of the general council of the League yesterday. Hon. Win. Perry, M.L.C., Dominion president, presided. Hon. Perry said that as a Defence League they were strictly non-party and had to look upon the question as a. whole. From the points of view of naval air and land defence, the scheme announced by the Minister of Defence was based much upon the same lines as that for Australia, and while some might be disappointed that it did not go a great- deal further, still it was a step in advance and it was the business of the* League to help the Government carry it out—in other words, to help in finding men to man the guns, Mr Barrowclough (Auckland) said one of the first things required was that the League should have a constructive policy. He said that with legard to naval and air defence there had certainly been some improvement but with regard to land forces the feeling in Auckland was that they were extraordinarily poor and the present proposals were inadequate. He was satisfied they would get the necessary number of volunteers in times of crisis but the question before them was whether they would have the necessary qualified officers and N.0.0.’s to act as leaders. They did not suggest that com pulsion should be resorted to but felt that further inducements by way of bonuses to efficiently trained men should be offered.

Mr Crozier (Christchurch.) urged that the GovernmentT!soshould set an example by releasing Government employees for training. A resolution was carried that the League offers to the Government its assistance in putting into effective operation the defence scheme announced by the Government, but at th© same time affirms that no system of territorial training be effective in this country unless (I) Adequate number of recruits are attracted to the colours; (2) recruits are prepared to undergo a* sufficient period of training, and (3) that the right type of recruit is attracted to the service.

The League felt that these requirements would best be attained by active and enthusiastic support and encouragement from Ministers of the Crown, members of Parliament, press, local bodies, educational, religious, business and professional lenders and. by adequate pay to members of the territorial force. A draft constitution of the League was adopted and it was decided to go ahead with the formation of the League throughout, the country.