DEFENCE LEAGUE

Waikato Independent, Volume XXXIX, Issue 3553, 13 May 1939, Page 5

DEFENCE LEAGUE

ACTIVITY IN CAMBRIDGE LARGE COMMITTEE FORMED A large committee, representative of the whole of the Cambridge district, was elected at a meeting of the Provisional Committee of the Defence League on Thursday evening. A further meeting will be held in the near future, when a campaign for members will be arranged. The Mayor, Mr Edgar James, presided, and also present were Messrs E. Nickle, J. W. Garland, C. \V. Vennell, R. Newcombe, D. J. Lundon, P. Lewis, T. Reilly and E. J. F. Kennedy. Apoligies were received from Messrs C. Meredith, A. J. Swayne and T. H. Hampshire. Mr P. Lewis was elected secretary and Mr E. J. F. Kennedy treasurer. After reporting on the meeting addressed by Major General Sir Andrew Russell and Colonel H. E. Barrowclough, Mr James stated that he had received a communication from the Defence League at Wellington, requesting that a committee be formed and a drive made for members.

Mr James pointed out that the League was non-political, the main object being to secure members in enough strength to bring pressure to bear on the Government to introduce compulsory military training. It was necessary for the branch to have a definite plan of campaign,

j All Districts Represented The committee, to which other names may be added, was elected as follows: Cambridge: Messrs Edgar James, D. J. Lundon, C. W. Vennell, T. Reilly, E. J. F. Kennedy, C. Meredith, T. H. Hampshire, P. Lewis, C. \V. Atkinson, F. H. Green, F. Kingsford, S. Lewis, J. Meredith, D. McCathie, N. R. Souter, W. Webber, C. Wood, J. V. Richards, C. B. McNatty, G. James, C. A. Finch, C. R. Haworth, Commander R. W. Moorhouse and Dr H. C. Tod. Leamington: Messrs J. W. Garland, L. T. Keeley, G. Garland, J. Blackman, F. Vosper. Karapiro: Messrs R. Newcombe, J. Butler, H. B. Rishworth, R. Ireland. Roto-o-rangi: Captain I). Dillon, Messrs S. Wallis, C. Russo, A. R. Gascoigne, H. A. Pegg, J. W. Peake, R. Nolan. Maungatautari: Messrs E. Nickle, D. W. Ariell, W. Suckling, George Vosper. Fencourt: Messrs A. J. Swayne, M. C. Tierney. Taotaoroa: Mr J. Bruce. Horahora: Messrs T. La Trobe Hill and E. T. Osborne. Whitehall: Messrs J. Jeans, F. E. Brown.

Hautapu: Messrs F. H. Anderson, W. R. Laurent, E. Anderson. Te Miro: Messrs E. P. Hewitt, J. H. S. Bamforth, St. J. Wells. Pukerimu: Mr A. M. Fisher. Bruritwood: Messrs W. N. Perry, A. Thompson, T. C. Wallace. Tamahere: Mr F. S. Veale. Pi?keroro: Mr Ken. Butler. League's Aims Discussed The value of compulsory training, and the general aims of the League were discussed freely by members of the Provisional Committee. Mr J. W. Garland stated that since the visit of General Russell, several people had suggested that the old cadet system be re-institut-ed. It had been considered that the training of boys as soon as they left school was the best. / (Mr E. Nickle: Everybody who ~ joins the League should be prepared to render service if necessary. We should not let it be thought that old people are pushing the younger ones into action.

Mr James: There are none who cannot render service of some sort. Mr Peter Lewis reminded the meeting that the League was not -undertaking a recruiting campaign, but was endeavouring to gain enough strength to force the Government to institute compulsory military training. Mr R. Newcombe: It is a necessity. Mr Janies: Even if the training is never needed for war, great benefit will result to the country. Mr E. J. F. Kennedy: When compulsory training was in force, it did not do anyone any harm. Mr James: We must admit the superior physique of the young Germans and Italians, which has been, brought about by compulsory training. It was stated by Mr R. Newcombe that last year /the Returned. Sol-

diers' Association engaged the Drill Hall for physical training, but there was a very poor response. Suggestions fior Campaign Dealing with the organisation of the branch, Mr P. Lewis said it would be necessary to elect as many members as possible before the next meeting. The branch already had over 100 members, said Mr James. The question was near to people's hearts, he added, and there was no difficulty in getting'members. Mr Lewis suggested that meetings at country halls could be addressed by executive members and afterwards enrolments made. Information that the Hamilton branch was willing to help, was forthcoming from Mr C. W. Vennell. He said that Hamilton would willingly supply two speakers at any time. Mr E. Nickle did not think that people would attend meetings in any numbers. He suggested holding socials at which a short time could be devoted to an outline of the scheme.

Contact with sporting and local bodies with a view to securing members, was suggested by Mr T. Reilly. It was finally agreed that the next meeting be held as soon as possible, in the Town Hall supperroom. Lieutenant Colonel R. D. McFarland, M.C., will be invited to address the meeting.