COMPULSORY SERVICE.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 483, 16 April 1909, Page 4

COMPULSORY SERVICE.

The advocates of compulsory military service must recognise that .their cause has been materially strengthened by the unanimous decision yesterday of the delegates to the" Conference of Chambers of Commerce. Naturally the Conference did not attempt to bring forward any scheme of compulsory service, but it affirmed the

principlo that "compulsory military training is tho fairest and moat efficient and economical means of defence. 1. The individual views of delegates fairly represent the views of tho general community. Few peoplo will refuse to give the Volunteers of tho country credit for their public spirit and personal self-sacrifice, but there are few also who will venture to argue that tho present voluntary system provides tho country with ah adequate Weans of defence! - In recent articles wo have expressed our views On tho subject in some dotail, and have: observed with satisfaction the fact that the PniMß Minister is showing signs of an awakening to tho necessity of a, change being made.' Sir Joslsph Ward has not yet outlined the Government's scheme, but it is clear from the hints ho has dropped that it docs not go the full length of compulsory military training. So far he has wrongly confused compuleor-y training with "conscription," and his inclination appears to bo to paltor with the question and confine his energies to the cadet movement. The : views of the Chambors of Commerce delegates and their unanimous decision in favour of compulsory military training comes most Opportunely should assist to remove the doubts which appear to possess tho Piume Minibtehj ; and should encourage him to take the plunge Which sooner or later must be made if the defenoSß of- the country ..are •to be placed oh a proper footing.