MILITARY TRAINING.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 11839, 20 April 1909, Page 5

MILITARY TRAINING.

A WELLINGTON . MEETING.

(Per Press Association.) ' # WELLINGTON! this ; day-, i.'A preliminary meeting of citizens in favor of urging 'trie Government to establish universal /military training was held in Wellington last evening, About 60 persons were present. Mr J.* P. Luke, M.P., presided in the absence of the Mayor. Mr Luke said sbiriething superior to , the / present system .of defence was needed. 'Speaking as ari employer he thought employers would bje prepared to sacrifice the' tinie of 'their; workmen necessary for purposes of eifcrj.cient training. They, should' make recommendations which would assist the Preriiier in bringing his defence scheme before Parliament. He hoped the meeting would be the birth of a broadei 1 , | truer, and • quicker spirit in ■ regard .to (defence.

The Hon. R. A! Longhnan, M.L.C!, moved that the meeting resolve itself trttp a committee to co-operate \vith the National Defence League in holding a public ipeeting of citi^eris to urge, the Government to institute a system, off universal military training. In the course of discussion it was generally agreed that universal- trftininp is desirable.

One speaker asked whether the idea was that employers should pay their men for the time spent in camp. If *sp that would involve hardships. Y The Y chairman thought . employers would be unable to stand srich "a strain. Employers would give men the necessary tinie, but the general public should foot the bill. ■;•■-

The Rev. Dr Gibbs said his mind was not riiade up in 'regard tp compulsion. Was New Zealand to lifive a system similar to that of Germany ? "Voices: No !

Mr Shirtcliffp pointed 1 out/ that the resolution aimed at compulsory training, *not military service. He believed in a few Aveeks of annual training on Germany's lines, The resolution was carried unanimously. It was also reserved that all present be asked to contribute not more than 2s 6d towards the expenses. Is of each 2s 6d being taken to he their subscription to the National Defence League.