SUPPLY OF GAS MASKS

Southland Times, Issue 22956, 31 July 1936, Page 8

SUPPLY OF GAS MASKS

Minister Depends On Imports DANGER QUESTIONED (United Press Association.) Auckland, July 30. The attitude of the Minister of Defence (the Hon. F. Jones) on the question of supplying the civilian population of New Zealand with gas masks as a safety precaution in the event of war was mentioned at the annual meeting of the Auckland Gallipoli Association by Mr R. S. Mason, a member of an Auckland syndicate which recently placed a proposition before the Minister for the manufacture of masks. The matter arose during a discussion on the necessity for supporting territorial training in New' Zealand. Colonel C. Spragg said that no one wanted war, but it appeared to be imminent, although he hoped that it would be averted. If New Zealand did not prepare herself by attending to the training of her young men, she would pay for that lack of training with the blood of her sons. Mr E. H. Hunter, who seconded a motion by Colonel Spragg that the association should give its support to territorial training, said that even if there was no war, such training was excellent in building up character and physical fitness in young men. Defenceless Position. Mr Mason said that it was distressing to see the smallness of the units at the King’s birthday parade. About six weeks ego he had written to the Minister of Defence on behalf of a syndicate, pointing out the defenceless position of New Zealand in the event of invasion ; and referring to the menace in the East. War was certainly not desired, but the country should be able to defend itself. The object lesson of Abyssinia had been menticned. “We put it purely as a selfish commercial proposition to manufacture gas masks in New Zealand, ’ said Mr Mason. “After about a month the Minister had replied saying that the country was so remote as to make such steps practically unnecessary, but if masks were required they could be obtained from England or Australia.” Strong disagreement with the Minister’s view’ was expressed by several members, but the subject w r as not discessed further.

Colonel Spragg’s motion was passed unanimously.