SUPPORT FOR DEFENCE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 168, 19 July 1939, Page 8

SUPPORT FOR DEFENCE

COLLEGIATE OLD BOYS MEMBERS OF ASSOCIATION CIRCULARISED The importance of national defence has been circularised to members of the Wanganui branch of the Wanganui Collegiate School Old Boys’ Association by their committee, which quotes the following reolution adopted by a meeting of old boys at the Waverley Camp:— “We the undersigned old boys, who. met together in the 2nd. Composite I Mounted Rifle Regiment at Waverley in May, 1939, wish to commend heartily the Wanganui branch of the Wanganui Collegiate School Old Boys’ Association upon its recent move concerning military training, and urge upon all old boys the necessity of doing everything in their power to serve their country by volunteering for national service. Wr feel that old boys generally are not using to the full in public service the advantages they have received by their education.” Th? circular then puts forward the following points:— (1) The defence of the country is our first consideration. (2) The condition of the world today is such that our shores may be threatened at any (3) No doubt in case of necessity every able bodied man would be anxious to co his bit. (4) Without training his usefulness would he limited and he would not have half a chance. (5) In his own interests, as well a.s In the interests of the country, every man should take steps to fit himself in the case of an emergency. The country looks to its secondary schools to provide its leaders and the obligation is therefore greater in the case of our members. (7) The defenc? of the country should stand beyond politics and disapproval of the present system provides no excuse. We should make the most of the facilities available. With the circular are enclosed an enlistment form and prepaid reply envelope. The action of the Wanganui branch of the association was highly commended by the district recruiting officer, Captain B. Barrington, and it is hoped that other branches of the association throughout New Zealand will act in a similar manner. Already many replies to the circular have been received and 90 per cent, of the Old Boys who have replied so far had already enrolled before the circular was sent.