THREAT OF WAR

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20783, 18 April 1939, Page 8

THREAT OF WAR

VERY UNSETTLING EFFECT COMPULSORY TRAINING i FARMERS’ UNION OPINION Reference to the uncertainty of International affairs in Europe was made and the hope that the people would soon be ab]p to see a clear way out of the difficulties was expressed hv Mr G. T Crawley, president of the Waikato sub-provincial conference of the Farmers’ Union In Hamilton today when presenting his annual report. The speaker also referred to the urgent need for strong defence measures in the Dominion. “Overshadowing everything as we meet this year is the threat of war in Europe.'* said Mr Crawley. “We all hope that that awlful business will be avoided by some means. The uncertainty of the present state of affairs and the continual crises are having a very unsettling effect on millions of people. The continued suspense to many is worse than a definite slate of war. This seems to be an age of propaganda, some of it of a very insidious kind, much of it very crude and a great deal very foolish and transparent. Living By Force “It is to be hoped, and I think it la becoming apparent, that people are developing, perhaps slowly, the ability to see through most of it. Dictatorships which live bv force and thrive on propaganda are 6et up for the aggrandisement and amusement of small groups, the happiness, security and welfare of the people being only incidental. “Strong measures for the defence of our country and Empire are being urged and we believe are being taken. The consensus of farming opinion is that we should adopt a system of compulsory military training, and we have offered to help the Government In any measures It Is taking.”