NATIONAL DEFENCE LEAGUE.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXII, Issue 8881, 5 August 1907, Page 2

NATIONAL DEFENCE LEAGUE.

Opera House, To-Morrow Night. Captain McNaught, general organiser for tho National League, will give a lecture in the Opera House in Marton on the evening of Tuesday uoxt at 7.30 p.m. on the aims and objects of tho Loagno. His Worship tho Mayor will preside. A short address will also bo given by Eevs. Archdeacon Towgood, Gordon and Carr. A number of the school children will sing patriotic songs, tho local orchestra and band will also render musical items, and appropriate songs will bo given by several of our local singers. Admission is free to all parts of tho house. Tho National League of Now Zealand is being established to organ’so and educate public opinion throughout the colony in behalf of defensive action. It is connected with no politics or party. It appeals to every citizen who realises that 'peace is among the greatest of human blessings, and that security within our borders can only be ensured by our being able to defend ourselves from attack. It is the first duty of our navy to protect the heart of tho Empire ; it is our colonial duty, as in groat emergency it would be found to bo our colonial business to protect our own land. Are wo able to do tins? Every man in tho colony who thinks about it knows wo are not; Now Zealand must arm, not to attack anybody but to defend herself; not by conscription that fills a country with costly barracks, _ but by a universal training which will familiarise every young man with tho use of defensive weapons. If we do this every man will ultimately be able to help to effectively defend his country and his homo and those dearer to him than himself. Defensive training will take no young man from Jiis homo or civil life, any ■•novo than the present cadet or volunteer movement, but lie will learn how to defend his country in his spare hours and days as now lie learns to play football. Is this too much to ask young New Zealanders? Is there afty other practical way of making Now Zealand safe? Those who think that it needs defending, and that the proposals of the National Defence League of Now Zealand are oil righteous and reasonable lines will attend the public meeting in thO Opera House on Friday evening next, and if able will help by voluntary donations to assist tho great National work and tho expenses of organising throughout tho colony.