SUSPENSION OF TRAINING

Taranaki Daily News, 31 July 1930, Page 10

SUSPENSION OF TRAINING

ATTACK UPON THE MINISTER ALLEGED PROMISE TO OFFICERS. “WAIT FOR THE AMENDING BILL’’(By Wire—Parliamentary Reporter.) Wellington, Last Night. > A warm attack on the Minister of De’ fence was made by Mr. F. Waite in the House to-night. “I ask.the Minister to be frank with the House in regard to the Government’s attitude on the question of - military training,” he said. The. Hon. J; - G. Cobbe: Y r ou will hear all about it in time. J ‘ Mr. Waite declared that territorial officers were looking with suspicion on statements made in the Press which had been inspired by the Minister, of Defence. The Minister had promised that before drastic i changes were made in the defence system fy he would consult; the senior officers. » 1 Mr. Cobbe: You have no right to say that. I never made any promise of. that kind. •■■■ ■ / Mr. Waite: The Minister can contradict the statement if he wishes. In spite of the promise that was made the territorial system was destroyed overnight. The Minister did not keep his promise. Mr. White quoted a statement made by the Minister after a conference he had with senior officers on Tuesday last and said that every senior officer who had at-; tended the conference on Tuesday would say that the Minister’s statement was not correct. The Minister had been most misleading and should take the House into hi« confidence, ■■ ; Mr.-Cobbe: You will hear all- about it when the Bill comes dowm ■■■ ■■■ ■ . - Mr, Waite: The Minister has carefully, manipulated his.words in the Press and in* stead of coming out with a . frank state* ment he has hoodwinked members of this House. I regret that the senior officers are definitely suspicious of the statements made by the Minister and he has brought this undesirable reputation on' himself."