DOMINION'S DEFENCE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 55, 7 March 1939, Page 6

DOMINION'S DEFENCE

VOLUNTARY SYSTEM IS NOT DEMOCRATIC EQUALITY OF SERVICE NEEDED CHAMBER OF COMMERCE VIEW Stressing an argument that a voluntary system of military training is not democratic because it does not demand equality of service, the Wanganui Chamber of Commerce, at its meeting last night, passed a resolution in favour of a scheme of compulsory national service. , The views of the chamber were expressed in the following terms: ‘‘That in view of the uncertainty of the international situation and its menace to New Zealand, and of the inadequacy of the present voluntary system to provide sufficient trained man-power, the chamber respectfully recommends: (19 The introduction of some form of compulsory national service as being at once more fair and more truly democratic than a voluntary system. (2) The restoration of the old territorial units to at least the strength at which they existed prior to 1921. We also urge upon all employers the necessity of ensuring that all their employees who are already in the territorials attend camp during the current training year in order that, however small In numbers- they may be, and however inadequate as a force, they will at least, be trained men.” Labour Members Aware of Need The resolution is to he forwarded to the Associated Chambers of Commerce and was adopted after the chamber had heard a deputation from the Wanganui branch of the New Zealand Defence League. During discussion which followed an expression of opinion by the deputation, the view was expressed that there are many within the Government party of today who are aware of the need for some form of compulsory service, and that those with the courage of their convictions will express them before the end of this month. The deputation comprised Messrs. F. K. Turnbull, W. S. McCrorie, E. W. Merewether. C. N. Armstrong, C. L. Lovegrove, F. C. Grover, C. G. Russell and J. B. Davis. "This problem of defence is one in which the Chambers of Commerce throughout New Zealand are vitally interested,” said the president of the chamber, Mr. F. H. Bcthwaite, welcoming the deputation. "The executive of the New Zealand Associated Chambers has already given General Duigan an expression of its views and | we would like to help your league in ' any way we can.” Not Militaristic “We are not militaristic in any 1 sense of the term,” said Mr. Turnbull, who headed the deputation. "We are a self-constituted body of citizens who are concerned about, the state of the defences of our country. We know well enough that in the unsettled state of work! affairs, although wo are far from the centre of the world, we cannot hope to be immune. History has told us that at some time or another one country has been invaded by another country. With fast aerial travel and improved speed of modern hattieships we arc not so far away from trouble as we used to be. We feel that our defences on land arc in a woefully bad state of repair. Wo arc not against the voluntary system, but feel that it is inadequate, although at certain times of the year it may be up to full establishment. We know that the average period of service is from three to four months, and there is a continual stream of recruits coming in and going out.” Mr. Turnbull said that when untrained troops were sent into battle that battle became murder. "God grant that it may never come." ho said, "but we feel that, the people of this country should not stand and let. it come without being prepared. Let me assure you that the cost would be little more than what it is costing to train 7000 to 8000 men to-day.” “We Must Hold What We Have” “What is the use of having a business, having anything, if it is all to be taken from us by some other nation?” asked Mr. Merewether. “The Government has brought, in a social security scheme. What, use will that be if we are prepared to sit down and do nothing while another nation steps in and takes what we have? We must, be prepared to hold New Zealand. This little country must be able to hold what, she has.” Mr. C. N. Maclean asked what the Chamber Qf Commerce could do in a practical way. Passing of pious resolutions did not appeal to him. and he thought that, something more prarti- | cal could be attempted. Could the j league suggest anything of that nature? Mr. Turnbull replied that the immediate aim of the league was to convince the people of New Zealand that, some form of universal training was essential. "After that, he said, "we will he coming back to ask for your practical help.” The Willing Horse Mr. Maclean said that voluntary training left everything to the horse, and was not democratic. Obviously a system that demanded equality of service should appeal. Mr. Bethwaite said that 19 out ot every 20 Chambers of Commerce had the view that Some national form of service was needed. Mr. Turnbull, in reply to a question, said that the proposal of the league was that each man should undergo a period in camp of three to four months and attend annual camps for a period after that. The idea was to train men to defend themselves. Mr. J. Williams said that from a physical fitness point of view alone he would like to see his sons undergoing military training. The resolution was adopted unanimously.