DEFENCE REVIEW

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20862, 21 July 1939, Page 2

DEFENCE REVIEW

house resumes debate APPEAL MADE TO WOMEN >m COATES SPEAKS ON FINANCE (Special to Times) WELLINGTON, Thursday Defence was again the main subject discussed during the Address-in-Reply debat< in the House of Representatives to-day. Statements made ... the Minister Of Defence, the Hon. F. Jones, were replied to by Mr J. (largest Opposition—Awaru.i, who pointed out defects in the present system of voluntary recruiting lor the territorial units. The Opposition, ho said, stood for universal military training, and tens of thousands of people behind the Government also supported that system. Under compulsion every man was compelled to be an efllcient solder, but to-day not more than 25 per cent, of the strength could be termed efficient. An appeal to the women of the country to give some help In getting young fellows into uniform was made by Mr W. J. Lyon (Government — Waitemata), whose speech had been interrupted by the adjournment the night before. He jeferred to New Zealand’s sparse population and geographical isolation, and stated that in the' event of hostilities this country was likely to be thrown entirely on its own resources. Brink of Bankruptcy Financial questions were discussed by the HI. Hon. J. G. Coates (Opposition—Kaipara). The Government, he said, had none but itself to blame for the present situation, despite the fact that no administration had assumed office under more favourable terms. The insulation theory had brought the couiftry to the brink of bankruptcy. Mr Goates also said that further restrictions seemed likely on - of New Zealand mutton and lamb into the United Kingdom. The last speaker was the Minister of Housing, tlie Hon. 11. T. Armstrong, who referred to the activities of the State Housing Department. He said that housing construction was being held up because of the shortage of skilled tradesmen. The House rose at 10.30 p.m. until to-morrow.