MR. FRASER PLEASED.

Chronicle (Levin), 4 August 1949, Page 8

MR. FRASER PLEASED.

WELLINGTON, August 3. Mr. Fraser, broadcasting tonight, expressed sincere thanlcs to all who sO ; eonvincingly expressed the eountrv's approval of the compulsory . training scheme. "Tt is a fiue victory "for demoeracy and the defence of democratic freedom," he said. The people of New Zealand had shown they were prepared and determined to support the adequa.te and efficient defence of New Zealand, ineluding the Pacifib area. They had also shown their determination to give the maximum eoiitribution to the defence. of the British Gommonwealth with which the destiny of New Zealand was completely bound up. The outeome of the referendum showed that the people could t)e trustea to decide in a deiinite and intelligent manner, anv grave issues whicb were put1 before them. The vote showed the high sense of responsibility held by. free citizens under the democratie system. The trust which had been placed in the people had been compleiely justified Mr.. Fraser said Jie realised that most of those who voted against eompulsory training were people of . good intention, and purpose who sincerelv wished to do the best for their Conntry; He felt, however, they had been greatiy misled by a number of speakers against the scheme. The Government had expected opposition from cohseientioiis opponents of military. trainirig and also from those individuals whcf, if giveii the chance, woiild briiig Nfew Zehlahd to a similar position tO'that tO which Easb ern Enrope had beeii reduced. These persons had .endeavotlred, by misrfepresentation, to induce.. the people, tq .yote

against -the sShfemfe. f Mf. Ff.ksef said he u'ould give the assui'ance that the dreadful things predicted by the opponents of the scheme, would not corne 'to pass. It would not mean manpower direction oi' any other disastrous eonsequence. The trainees wo'uld not be iiitroduced into industrial disturbances.