MILITARY TRAINING.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIX, Issue 29, 26 May 1914, Page 7

MILITARY TRAINING.

[To The Editor Stratford Post.] 1 ! Sir, —Although not personally interested in the late camp at Takapau as vour correspondent in a recent issue appears to be, one is much struck with the truth of some of the remarks in the said letter, and indeed, as we read day by day, our New Zealand papers, one feels move than slightly uneasy as to whether our Democracy, of which we are so proud, is not slowly drifting into a military autocracy. The compulsory military training and defence system has a decidedly foreign taint about it, and it seems to me that the oft-repeated phrase ("Defence, not Offence".) will not stand the light of common sense. Is to conquer by brute strength the best and I highest ambition we can instil into I young New Zealanders? !t appears i as if we have been only walking in I a circle in spite of our boasted civilisation and education. Sir lan Hamilton's remarks that the links of discipline ere not as strong as they will he in a year or two's time, has indeed a sinister meaning, and as to his witticisms regarding the Quakers, well, although. I. am not a member of that body of people, T think we all know that they are world-honored, because they, follow closely the teachings of the Prince of Peace in this matter. But of course Sir lan Hamilton has to defend his profession. Apart from all this side of the question one cannot help wondering how this young country, with its crying need of roads, railways, and educational facilities. etc., is going to stand the burden of the expense of compulsory military training.—-I am, etc.. A NEW ZEALANDER. Stratford. May 19th, 1914.