IF WAR COMES

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21155, 30 September 1938, Page 13

IF WAR COMES

LOYALTY TO BRITAIN OFFERS OF SERVICE By Telegraph —Press Association INVERCARGILL, September 29. The Civic Theatre was packed last night when the Minister of Public Works (the Hon. R. Semple) said that New Zealand would give Britain 100 ■ per cent, loyalty. Britain had tried its utmost to prevent war, and had tried to lead the world in disarmament. The nation had taken insult after insult in trying to preserve peace, and it was still to be hoped that her efforts would not be in vain. The Minister asserted ‘that on the question of loyalty or courage he would undertake to shoot as straight as most men, and to withstand as much hardship as others. He would prefer to die in defence of his country to living under the will of one man, and a lunatic at that. (Applause). The meeting was most orderly, and a vote of complete confidence in the Labour Government was carried with one dissentient. DEFENCE OF SINGAPORE By relFCTflr»h —P»-pfiF <K<M»oclatior ASHBURTON. September 29. Reference to the international crisis was made by Mr T. D. Burnett in a political address at Tinwald last evening, when he said that in the event of war New Zealand would not be asked to send an expeditionary force to Europe, but to join Australia in sending a land force to guard Singapore. He urged the making of rifle-shooting as much a national pastime as football, and the training of women and girls in nursing. RESPONSE BY EX-SOLDIERS By Telegraph—Press Association AUCKLAND, September 29. In response to an announcement that the Dominion Returned Soldiers’ Association had undertaken to be responsible for providing men from its ranks for searchlight and equipment services at the ports of Auckland and Wellington, over 50 returned soldiers have offered their services at the Auckland Returned Soldiers’ Association headquarters. The men will be organised for duty at this port. NO SPECIAL STEPS TAKEN Bv Telegraph —Press* Association WELLINGTON, September 29. Inquiries at Army Headquarters, in Wellington, indicate that while all preparations to cope with an emergency are well under way, no special steps are at present being taken for recruiting, or for the enlistment of men for special service. It was stated that if an emergency arose, any steps needed would promptly be taken, but in the meantime recruiting was proceeding through the normal channels. The opinion was expressed that the New Zealand Defence Forces are in a very satisfactory state of preparation, and would be able to meet adequately any sudden call upon their organisation. DESIROUS OF SERVING By Telegraph— Association DUNEDIN, September 29. Offers for active service in the event of the British Empire being involved in war have been received in considerable numbers by the Minister of Defence (Hon. F. Jones) during the last few days. In some cases the men offering their services are returned soldiers who served in the Great War, but there have also been offers by younger men who wish to serve their country. A communication has been received from a woman who has expressed her willingness to serve in any capacity in which she may be required. Only a small number of inquiries has been received by the Defence Department in Dunedin from men who desire to enlist for service should the British Empire be involved in war. As there has been no call for volunteers the Department can do nothing except advise inquirers of the position as it stands to-day. The number of men offering for the Territorial Forces was stated this afternoon to be normal. Beyond these details the Department would not comment further on the matter.