Defence Of New Zealand

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 156, 28 March 1939, Page 11

Defence Of New Zealand

Sir,—lt is gratifying that at least one of your correspondents, “Desdichado,” endorsed the necessity for a serious attempt being made to construct proper defensive measures along our coast. Concrete pill-boxes, electrified barb wire entanglements in front, men armed with automatic rifles in those pill-boxes and concrete dugouts, and field guns behind them, then no alien foot can soil a single square inch of our glorious New Zealand. An enemy may bombard us from the sea and bomb us from the air, but his efforts gain him nothing if he is unable to set foot ashore. We can hold him off for years if necessary. Surely any intelligent child can realize this. Is it impossible to prepare such a system of defence? Is it impossible to find in this country a man big enough and resolute enough to initiate and direct such an undertaking? I venture to suggest that the Hon. R. Semple can do the job, and thousands will rush to carry out the work. Let us who have a proper sense of responsibility and love for New Zealand demand that Mr. Semple be given the responsibility to start at once. There is no time for worthless talk. —I am, etc., CITIZEN. Wanganui, March 24.