THREE MONTHS’ TRAINING ADVOCATED

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 144, 21 June 1939, Page 8

THREE MONTHS’ TRAINING ADVOCATED

TERRITORIAL ARMY OF 30,000 COMPULSORY SERVICE NEEDED ( Per Press Association.) GISBORNE, June 20. Following an address by Sii Andrew Russell, a largely-attendec public meeting unanimously adoptee a resolution emphatically endorsing the contention that a much large) land force was necessary for the security of the Dominion. The feeling was that the appeal for voluntary enlistment is failing to meet with the requisite response and believing that compulsory universal service offer.the only equitable method of obtaining the strength needed, the meeting urged the Prime Minister and the Minister of Defence to immediately take the necessary steps to provide as recommended in the policy of the New Zealand Defence League, for f

minimum of. three months’ compulsory continuous recruit training for all physically fit men between the ages of 18 and 36 and thereafter continuity of training in the territorial army of numbers sufficient to provide a land force of at least 30,000 being at all times available. The meeting also respectfully urged the Ministers to have put into effect the recommendation of the league for the establishment of a national register under terms requiring al! adult citizens to render in time of emergency service in accordance with the qualifications and requirements of the situation..