THE TERRITORIALS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXIX, Issue 81, 26 May 1911, Page 5

THE TERRITORIALS.

WHAT THE COMMANDANT HAS TO SAY. The suggestion made by Dr Cleary has not aroused the same interest in Wellington that it has in the North. As the question is one which is likely to excite a good deal of controversy, a Wellington “Post” reporter waited on the Commandant of the Forces (Major-General Godley) and asked that he should explain the attitude of the Defence Department. “The proposal.” tlie General stated in reply, “would be impracticable as regards the Territorial army. It is all right for senior cadets in places where the organisation will admit of it—that is to say, in the larger towns; but it is, of course, quite out of the question in any but the larger towns, because there will not be sufficient boys to form separate companies. “It is not practicable, even in the larger towns, for Territorials, because recruits will bo drafted into already existing companies. As far as possible, however, men who wish to serve together will be allowed to do so.”

POPULAR VERDICT SOUGHT. REMARKS BY MNISTER FOR RAILWAYS. Some remarks by speakers at a luncheon given to the Hon J. A. Millar at Picton moved the Minister for Railways to express his views on the question of national defence. He admitted the necessity for linking up the two loose ends of the South island Main Trunk railway from a strategic point of view. They must get rid of a sense of false security. The tendency was for the self-governing dominions to take a more active part in the control and defence of the Empire than they had done in the past. If they believed they had a country v.: th'lnmg in, they would surely believe it was worth protecting, and, if they desired to have that protection, they must bo prepared to undertake it themselves. The older countries were la.'** t>i lace with troubles of a very grave character indeed, and would require their best energies for their own defence. The real cause of the present situation in these countries arose, continued the Minister, in the agitation for trade within the Empire. When it came within the scope of political possibility, outside countries thought it time to look after themselves, and one could not wonder at it. Foreign countries at once saw, if this idea gained strength and came to maturity, it would mean the eventual closing of many markets to them. It was a well-known fact that

nine-tenths of the Avars in the part were concerned Avith trade at the Potton. It Avas this idea that, had promoted the extraordinary development in foreign navies in the last ten years. These could not be for defensive purposes. Therefore, it the British Empire Avas going to remain a united Empire, it must siiow a united front. It was the duty of Ncav Zealand, from the point of vioAv of self-interest alone, to protect as far as possible her trade routes at the present time, for Avithout exports the country could not last. 'therefore, the maintenance of British naval supremacy Avas of vital importance. • i i. famed citizen army New Zealand avouM be able to deal Avitli straggling attacks without calling on the Motherland in her need. Compulsory military training avouM lie the very best thing for the physique of the rising generation. ft Avas the finest agency for physical development, known. Every man living in a country had a duty to that country to rr-> ! 1- He should either give i '- snnal service or a monetary equivalent. “We are only acting fairly,” concluded the Minister, “in asking our young men to prepare themselves to hold, the country made by the old pioneers, and hand it on to their children afi a heritage. Grave questions will bo deal Avith in a feAV Avoeks at the Imperial Conference, and these questions may bring ns closer together or leave us Avhcre avo are. If one can judge by the feelings expressed through / the length and breadth of this country, then avo are prepared to take our share in the defence of that, great Empire of Avhich Ave are so proud. lam glad to hear the voice of the people of tliis country to see whether they approve Avhat avc have done in regard to defence. Wo have incurred a large liability Avith the Dreadnought, and compulsory service. The people should approve in no uncertain voice if they wish to strengthen the Government’s hands, otherwise there Avill ho a danger of slackening.” Mr John Duncan. M.P.. added! that he believed the Avholo of his felloAVmembers avoaiW be ready to back the Government in a higher naval contribution. The sentiments expressed by the Minister- Avere received Avith the greatest enthusiasm.

WAIROA MOUNTED RIFLES.

MAJORITY DECLINE TO SERVE. On Saturday afternoon the last parade of the above corps was held in the Town Hall, says the Ratoa 44 . * * Lieut. Cardale, adjutant of the Taranaki mounted regiment, was in attendance, and addressed the men on the new system. He explained that the new system was not going to lie such a rigorous one as it at first appeared. In country districts, such as \Vaverley, the O.C. had power to adapt the system to meet local conditions, and the thirty parades of 11 hours laid down in the regulations would not lie enforced, hut would be made up by an extra week in camp. He pointed'out that the present members of the corps would not bo discharged, as had been erroneously rumoured. Of course, all those over the age limit had the option of resigning, but the Defence Department were extremely anxious for them to remain on. If they did they would, of course, sign on for a term of two years. He appealed to the men to stand by their officers and sign on for the further term stated. He then invited any questions from the men. Questions were put by members as to whether the alterations in the regulations as Lieut. Cardale had stated, would lie certain to bo effected in this district. Lieut. Cardale stated somewhat abruptly that the alterations would be made as he had stated. The corps was then broken off for half an hour to discuss the question of signing on for a further term under the new system. On parading again all but ten of the members over the compulsory age decided to resign.’ These, with about seven members who are under 21, and therefore under the compulsory ago, now constitute the Wairoa Mounted Rifles* the oldest and most historic corps in the Dominion. Captain El mslie and Lieut. I). McDonald remain on. However, it is open till Juno 2nd formembers to reconsider their decision. ANNUAL MEETING. In the evening the last annual medting of the corps was held. 'The statement of accounts showed a debit balance of £72 12s 9d. Other amounts yet to be paid bring this up to £143 4s, against which capitation amounting to £.379 is due from the Government. This will leave the troop with a credit balance of £235 10s. Captain Elmslie said that the business of the mooting was to decide on what should be done with the uniforms and gear of the corps. After a Jong discussion it was decided that the members remaining in tho < Territorials bo allowed to keep their full dross uniforms and that the remainder be handed to the Wavorlev Hand.

it was further decided that members should he allowed to keep their leggings, hut that only those who had capitated for three years should ho allowed to keep their khaki tunics, hats, bridles, and breastplates, and that all others should hand in these to Captain Elmslio. All saddle cloths are also to lie handed in. The officers and Scrgt.-Major Watkins were appointed a committee to deal with the shooting trophies hi hand. The following amounts were voted: —Captain Elmslio and Lieut. McDonald £ls each, to pay for the equipment they will have to provide under the new system; Scrgt. H. F. Cooke, an honorarium of £lO 10s for his services as secretary, and also £5 as a wedding present; Waverley Band £lO for services rendered.

“POPULAR VERDICT” SOUGHT.” PRESS COMMENT. Commenting on Mr Millar’s remarks the Wellington “Post” says: In his speech at Picton the Minister of Railways had a timely word to say on the Defence question. Mr Millar is not a fire-eater or a Jingo. Ho is a democrat and a man of peace, with even less liking for military pomp and parade than he has ioi pomp and parade in general. That, so thorough and level-headed a domount should have been a member of the Ministry which took the responsibility of offering a Dreadnought t < the Admiralty without waiting for t'.*' authority of Parliament, ana afterwards inducing Parliament to adopt the principle of compulsory military training, is a striking illustration of the fact that the antagonism between the democratic and the patriotic spirit which is such a disquieting symptom of British politics does not exist here. “Militarism” cannot th rive in this democratic atmosphere, but because wo are patriots we believe in defending our country, and because wo are democrats wo believe that the task should not be delegated to a professional class, but undertaken by all the able-bodied manhood of the country. This was the ideal in pursuance of which the compulsory clauses wore inserted in the Defence Act of 1009, and the only ob-

jectiou to tin- scheme that is now: under uay is that it is net universal in its ;;•()n, I>; i:ii.-; limited on .e e cl" economy to I hr* Gaining «t s force ruliicieut according to Lon! Kitchener's estimate for tiie defence of the' country against any pro I>;i!>lo contingency. For the present, however. the obligation to enrol is universal within tiie age-limits prescribed. All onr young men who had not passed the age of twentyone years when the amending Act of last session canto into operation are req mod to enrol. It is for the Council of Defence and the Commandant to say on what grounds other than the few of which express mention is made in the Act exemption is to he granted. So far, there!ore, as registration goes, the obligation is universal, and, with only a fortnight more to run of the time allowed by the Proclamation, about 25 per cent of the total number liable is still unaccounted for. In these circumstances Mr Millar makes an appeal to T.he public opinion of the country which should meet with a quick and hearty response. “[ would certainly like to hear the voice of the people of this country,” says the Minister, “to see whether they approve what wo have done in regard to defence. Wo have incurred a large liability in regard to the Dreadnought, and also to compulsory service. The people should approve with no uncertain voice if they wish to strengthen the Government’s hands, otherwise there would ho no danger of slackening.” Seeing that, as wo have indicated, tho only objection taken to the latest phase oi the Government.’s defence policy when it was instituted last year was that it did not go far enough, and that it was the enthusiastic demand ol the people that converted the Government during tho previous year to tho compulsory principle, there can he no question whatever as to tho popular attitude towards tho only objections which arc now raised against the Government’s scheme. These objections come from tho tiny minority which condemns tho compulsory principle in toto, and are obviously inspired in a large proportion of cases by reluctance to render the small measure of personal service which the Act demands. There are, of course, some entirely conscientious objectors, but indolence and lack of public spirit can always find some Ingnsounding -principle behind which to take shelter. This parade of principle is now being freely employed by the malcontents, but the immune majority fully realises that tnc defence of this country must ultinuxteiy depend upon its own people, and that, if they will not defend it, some other nation inspired by higher ideals of manhood and public duty will .inevitably tajee charge. If this opinion is made as active as it is widespread the same enthusiasm will bo forthcoming to carry the policy of the Government to a successful issue, which was eagerly striving two years ago to set it on foot.

THE WORKERS’ ATTITUDE. A lecture on “Bayonets and Boys was given in the Auckland Opera House on Sunday last by Mr Scott Bennett. At the conclusion of the lecture, the following resolution was carried“ That this meeting of Auckland citizens declares its opposition to militarism in all its forms, and calls on the workers of New Zealand to oppose in every possible way the present scheme of compulsory military training, and further declares that there is but one army to which the workers can belong, namely, the industrial and political army of the international working class. SECTARIAN DEFENCE CORPS. ‘ ‘DENOMINATIONALISM RUN MAD.” The Auckland Ministers’ Association' met on Monday, and alter discussion the following resolution was carried i—“ That the Auckland Ministers’ Association strongly disapproves of the introduction of sectarianism into the arrangements for national defence. It regards such a proposal as denominationalism run mad. It protests against this principle being violated in our senior cadet corps,' and it affirms its decision to continue to oppose any departure from this principle.” A correspondent of the Hawera “Star” writes as follows:—Your correspondent, “An Old Settler,” kindles the flame of a very important subject, “Sectional defence units.” Our country should wake up tb the fact, and that right at once, that it would he the damning of our defence scheme if wo allow separate denominations to form separate units. I only trust for the welfare of our country that those in authority will never permit such a terrible blunder. If wo arc going t-i allow shades of religious thought concessions of this kind what would lie the end of it? Imagine five war under such conditions! Would we not 1)0 courting it? Not in our time, perhaps.