The Waikato Times THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 1939 LAG IN RECRUITING

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20831, 15 June 1939, Page 6

The Waikato Times THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 1939 LAG IN RECRUITING

It is not surprising, in view of the official figures, that the Government is gravely disturbed at the progress of recruiting in New Zealand. The total number of enrollments in the general reserve, about 8000, is not particularly unsatisfactory, but analysis of the figures discloses a very serious position. Of the total enrollment of 7319 up to Tuesday, only 672 were men of the true territorial ages of 18 to 30 years. An additional 1061 were classed as ineligible for the reserve for reasons of fitness or age. So it seems that the vast majority of those who have enrolled, all hough they have shown admirable spirit in offering their services to the country, arc above the most useful military age. Why have so few young men come forward ? If the Government knew the answer to that question it would have something definite to work upon, but the attitude of the young men remains a mystery which is sorely puzzling political and military authorities. The New Zealand Government has done perhaps more than any other Government in the world to induce young men to join the military forces by offering material inducements. It is offering exceptionally generous payment; it is safeguarding the soldiers’ places in civilian life; it is providing attractive uniforms and conditions of service; it has made the need for increased military strength unmistakably plain; it has assured the recruits that their service will be required in New Zealand only. And yet the younger men in the great majority are simply not prepared to offer their services.

As is now fairly generally known, the Government has advanced secret preparations for defence to a considerable degree, but the whole scheme is being hampered by the lack of men. Until the recruits are forthcoming it cannot be said that New Zealand is adequately prepared for any of the emergencies against which the defence programme is aimed. The Government still clings to the policy of voluntary enlistment, but unless the response of volunteers of a military age improves, it may yet be faced with the alternatives of compulsory training or abandoning its present conception of the military strength that is necessary to enable the Dominion to contribute its proper share to the defence of the Empire. Many people already believe that all young men should be asked to do their share in the defence scheme under a system of compulsory training instead of leaving the burden of defence to the few who offer themselves voluntarily. It is true, and not perhaps particularly surprising, that soldiering has lost its attraction for young men. But it is equally true that the system of military training formerly in operation in New Zealand had a profound effect upon the physical health and mental alertness of the nation’s young manhood. That aspect is worthy of consideration as the Government approaches its present problem. It is not jingoism that is impelling the Government to seek to improve its military preparedness, but the plain acceptance of the facts of the world situation, and the authorities have reason to be disturbed at the attitude of the men of military age. The question must be considered whether many of those who have considered enlisting would not welcome compulsory training so that all would make their fair contribution to the country’s defence.