DOMINION'S DEFENCE

Taranaki Daily News, 2 December 1938, Page 6

DOMINION'S DEFENCE

COMPULSORY TRAINING

LEAGUE IN TARANAKI

Contending that the present defence system was totally inadequate and that nothing short of compulsory military training would be likely to achieve the desired strength, the executive of the Patea Defence League has decided to arrange for a Taranaki provincial council of the league to discuss defence problems. Dr. W. T. Simmons, who presided, stated that four or "ve branches already existed in Taranaki ahd the establishment of headquarters either at New Flymouth or Hawera appeared desirable. It was decided to communicate with the branches witb a view to organising the league's activities in Taranaki. It was further stated that there appeared to be an awakening of public interest in the matter of national defence and it was suggested that a public meeting be called with a view to securing a larger :nemlership. Mr. J. Peacocke re orted on a recent conference at Wellington whieh he attended as a delegate. Employers of members of the Patea piatoon are to be asked to free those of their employees who desire to attend the annudl territorial camp. The possibility oi fohning a branch at Waverley was submitted and left to the president.