Bay Of Plenty Beacon Published Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. MONDAY, AUGUST 1, 1949

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 14, Issue 19, 1 August 1949, Page 4

Bay Of Plenty Beacon Published Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. MONDAY, AUGUST 1, 1949

THE REFERENDUM On .Wednesday electors are to say whether or not "New Zealand is to institute a system of compulsory military training. This should finally settle a longstanding argument and give the Government a- clear indication as to whether or not the country endorses its policy on this matter. ~ But such an expression of public opinion can only be clearly given if every elector records a vote. This referendum touches a vitally important matter and the Government has taken a safe course in putting it to the vote, though if the urgency of the need for more trained men is as stated from most informed quarters during the referendum campaign there would seem to be substance in the argument of those who believe the Government should have gone ahead and done what it thought right without placing the matter before the electors. Indeed, if the need is really urgent and the danger really imminent, is it not questionable whether an army of 18-year-olds (whom the Government has declared would not be called upon for active service before they come of age) will be sufficient to meet the need? However, at this time that aspect of the question is a side issue. If the people give the Government their permission to institute a system of compulsory military training, that will no doubt imply that we expect the system instituted to be the best that can be devised for the defence needs in this country.

It would appear that this side issue, rather than the main principle, was the basis of the 2 NtZ.E.F. Association’s opposition to compulsory training. That opposition has now been withdrawn insofar as the Association has agreed that the present proposal'constitutes “at least a first step towards the adequate defence of New Zealand.” Before reaching that decision, the Association was assured by the Prime Minister that the scheme has the approval of the Chief of the Imperial General Staff, Field Marshal Sir William Slim, is an integral part of the British Commonwealth plan, and that it will in fact be subject to constant review and alteration in thedight of scientific developments and the trend of world events. At- the moment a decision on side issues is' not sought. What the Government wants to find out is whether or not New Zealanders subscribe to the principle of the compulsory military training of young men in peacetime as the basis of our defence system. Once that question is definitely and finally settled there will be plenty of time to argue about the details oi such

a training scheme if one is to be established.

Important thing just now is for everyone who is eligible to vote to give careful consideration to all the arguments for and against the principle involved and then to vote with nothing but the good of New Zealand in view.

The duty of every elector to record a vote on this important issue cannot be too strongly stressed.