TERRITORIAL SYSTEM

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LV, Issue 17237, 17 April 1930, Page 6

TERRITORIAL SYSTEM

ABOLITION OPPOSED PULL INQUIRY FIRST OFFICERS' VIEWS Slrong resentment against, the mooted abolition of the present territorial system is felt by officers who are associated with this branch of military training, and evidence is not lacking that spirited opposition will be forthcoming to the projected proposals of the Government in this connection. A deputation to the Defence Minister recently urged the appointment of a Royal Commission to consider the whole question. The question raised by the Prime Minister's recent policy statement of a reduction in expenditure on land defence and the subsequent uiiofficiai forecasts of the possible extent of the pruning process were discussed last week at a conference in Wellington of the leading territorial officers from all parts of the Dominion, and a decision was reached to approach the Minister of Defence, the Hon. J. G. Cobbe. EFFICIENT SUBSTITUTE • Discussing the question with the Minister, the deputation deprecated the' Government taking any hurried step in the direction of completely \ abolishing a system that had taken years to bring to its present stage of efficiency. While it was recognised that the country had to face economies * and that the defence vote would he among the first to be attacked, it was emphasised that the whole organisation should not be discarded as a useless piece of machinery without the fullest consideration being given as to what scheme would replace it. Nothing, it was contended, should be done without the fullest inquiry, and whatever system was introduced to supplant the present method of training should be matured and equally efficient.

Holding that the territorial system was an essential part of the country ?s defence, the deputation suggested that the Government should appoint a Royal Commission, including in the personnel a representative of the Imperial Government, to consider and report on the revisod schemes of land defence contemplated by Cabinet. The 'burden of the Minister's replywas that the Government was making the fullest inquiry in its proposed re- \ vision of defence policy, and that the points raised by the deputation would be taken into consideration. SENTIMENTAL BACKING "Territorial units in New Zealand have a strong sentimental backing, and there is a very kindly feeling towards them in many parts of the country," said a gentleman with a long and intimate territorial association when discussing the question with a press representative. "Any attempt to abolish the system will arouse considerable, opposition. In places like Hawke's Bay, for instance, there is nothing the people will not do for the territorial units. Some of the country people almost worship the mounted units."

He contended that the territorial system did not bring youths up for War, hut inculcated in them necessary discipline. The camps produced a spirit of comradeship, taught- the value of team work, and improved physique considerably. He was strongly of opinion that there were many people who would insist upon the tradition of the regiments being kept alive.