MORE CONFUSION

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 137, 8 December 1930, Page 10

MORE CONFUSION

The secretary of the No More War Movement in Dunedin has been informed by the Minister of Defence that "for the current training year compulsory military training has been suspended. Service in the secondary school cadets is therefore on a purely voluntary basis for the time being." When the Government attempted to suspend compulsory military training by legislation it was understood that the cadet system would not be interfered with. In moving the second reading of the Bill, the Minister of Defence slated: "It is intended that the secondary school cadet corps shall receive the same practical help as at present." When the Bill was rejected by the Legislative Council the Minister expressed his regret that, because of that rejection, the Government would be unable to afford the assistance it. had intended to voluntary organisations. As it now appears that the cadets are on a "purely voluntary basis," how is the Government able to give them the "same practical help as at present"? Is the declaration of the "purely voluntary basis" a preparation for an announcement of the Government's regret that it can do nothing for the cadets? The Minister should make the position clear, and tell the country what is implied by the information given to the No More War Movement. Citizens who recognise the value of cadet training in physical culture, hygiene, citizenship, and discipline will not be pleased to learn of an attempt to sabotage this excellent system. ______________