DEFENCE FORCES

Southland Times, Issue 21429, 25 June 1931, Page 8

DEFENCE FORCES

TERRITORIAL SYSTEM DISCUSSED BY RETURNED SOLDIERS J NEW ZEALAND’S.DUTY • 1l J L • (Per United Press Association.) Wellington, June 24. The Defence policy of New Zealand was considered by the R.S.A. Conference to-day when a remit was carried strongly urging the Government to appoint a Commission of experts, independent of political control, to inquire into the matter of defence in New Zealand and bring down a scheme of defence having regard to the requirements of Imperial defence and to the requirements of the three services, the Air Force, Navy and Army. The view expressed by the delegates was that defence was a matter which should be outside politics. General Sir George Richardson supported the motion. He had been very surprised to find that the Territorial system which had been built up with great trouble had been so suddenly disorganized. Two years ago he was in Switzerland, and, in view of the fact that Switzerland was in the heart of Europe and the heart of the League of Nations, he thought they would be perfectly safe in doing away with defence system, but he found that was not the case as that country was keeping its system going till after the disarmament conference in February next. He stressed New Zealand’s duty to the Empire in time of trouble and suggested that defence should not be looked at from a local point of view, but the Empire generally. Not only would he like to see a committee of experts, but he would like to see a permanent committee so that we would always have a branch of the Imperial Defence Committee composed of experts.

Sir Andrew Russell said the behaviour of Territorials in Hastings., at the time of the earthquake was one of the best advertisements the Territorials could have had and was a lesson of the incalculable value to the community of having within it an organized and disciplined body to meet emergencies. He suggested that Territorial officers might help in any defence system which was in operation.

The conference adopted a resolution that as a due appreciation of national achievement, self-sacrifice and heroism inspires succeeding generations to live up to the finest traditions of their country, the solemnity which now characterizes the observance of Anzac Day should be fully maintained and that all efforts to lower this standard should be firmly resisted. ENLISTMENTS AT WELLINGTON. Wellington, June 24. The enrolling of volunteers for the Second Field Company of Engineers was commenced in Wellington to-day. Up to 4 p.m. 44 young men had enrolled.