MILITARY TRAINING.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19173, 2 December 1927, Page 8

MILITARY TRAINING.

USE OF MEMORIAL HALL QUESTIONED. An application from the defence authorities for the use of the Memorial Hall at Papanui for the training of Senior Cadets caused a heated debate at a special meeting of the committee last night. Captain Bond, who was present said they would require the hall for thirty nights during the year. Mr J. Shurrock: I must oppose the application. To allow the hall to be used for military training purposes would offend many Papanui people, especially the relatives of, those tallen soldiers, whose names appear on the memorial tablet. It is entirely opposed to the spirit behind a Memorial Hall for it to be used for such a purpose. We are trustees of the people who contribute to thiß hall, and we should not do anything that would offend them. This training is against the spirit of the times, and the Churches are now opposed to it, Apart from the principle involved, the rental which is offered is not sufficient. Mr R. A.. Patrick: As one of tho instigators of this hall, I object to the proposal. I p.m as patriotic as the next, but to.spend £9OOO on a Memorial Hall and then allow it to be used as a barracks is wrong. Mr A Syme: I suffered from the last war as much as anyone. Military training is the law of the land, nnd the objection to the drilling of soldiers in a Memorial Hall carries no weight. Mr W. Pool: The request should be acceded to. The Papanui Progress League, which is representative of the people, asked for Papanui to be made a training centre in order that the boys should not have to eo to the City after their day's work The hall is for the benefit of the public and is here for the wants of every citizen in Papanui On the casting vote of the chairman. Mr W, G. Chapman, the application was granted.