NATIONAL SERVICE.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 857, 1 July 1910, Page 7

NATIONAL SERVICE.

LORD MILNER COMPLIMENTS NEW ZEALAND. EXAMPLE TO THE EMPIRE. AUSTRALIAN HIGH COMMISSIONER SPEAKS. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. (Rec. June 30, 9.45 p.m.) London, June 30. At the National Service League banquet at the Hotel .Cecil, Lord Milner, in proposing the toast "Our Guests," referred to the appreciation which, he said, they all felt at the action of Australia awl New Zealand in adopting the principles of compulsory training which the league existed to preach in Great Britain.

If South Africa'followed, three out of the five self-governing Dominions would l)e lined up behind tho principle of a universal citizen service.

Sir George Reid, High Commissioner for Australia, in replying, said there was 110 party division in Australia upon military and naval matters. If the love of peace which burned in the hearts of Kings and Emperors could be translated into the naval and military estimates of the nations all would be well, but Britain must be prepared to defend herself upon the instant. If tho flag of England once went down upon the seas they would never see it again.

SPEECH BY LORD CURZON. OLD LAND GETS A LEAD FROM THE YOUNG. (Rec. June 30, 9.55 p.m.) London, June 30. A large meeting of the National Service League has been held in Queen's Hall.

Lord Roberts, president of the association, was in the chair, and read- a telegram from the Australian League.

Lord Curzon declared that Australia and New Zealand, two of the most Democratic com.mumdties in the 'Empire, had both passed Bills rendering obligatory military service by every able-bodied citizen. It was, he said, no shame that the Old Country should receive a. lead in this matter from her progeny overseasV-

"Tliey may have a keener vision," added Lord Curzon, "and a livelier current of blood running through their veins. We have rendered them many services in the past, and if they succeed in teaching us our obligations in looking after homo defence, it will be return for their debt with compound interest added."

MOVEMENT MAKING HEADWAY. BIG GROWTH RECORDED. London, June 29. The National Service Leaguo, founded under the presidency of Lord Roberts, to add the principle of compulsion to the British territorial army scheme, has met with great success during 1909. During the year twenty-one new branches were opened, and the membership of the leaguo N doubled, the total now being 61,919. The income was also increased to £20,791.