MILITARY TRAINING

Evening Post, Volume CXXV, Issue 24, 29 January 1938, Page 8

MILITARY TRAINING

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —Since military training has been discontinued, this country has been steadily slipping into, a state of . unreadiness for any crisis which might arise' -for national defence. In view of the present situation overseas, we have every reason to examine our present position closely. Volunteer training Js being carried on by « handful of enthusiasts, while the greater part of this country's youth are untrained and militarily undisciplined. The regular forces are merely a nucleus, around which is needed a reserve force of trained and disciplined men, although not necessarily of the same high standard.* In event of an emergency for local defence, at presem the country would be in an unenviable -position, while a national crisis would leave us unable to give any assistance to the British Commonwealth of Nations. Realising our freedom from foreign interference, as a privilege of this Dominion, as British, we must also realise that we have a duty to fulfil in return: the upkeep of a strong defence force. ■■■ ■ The only means of securing this is by compulsory training, and the advantages would be as follows:— 1. The Dominion's defence could be maintained on a par with its size and vmportance. i 2. The simplest method of keeping a trained and disciplined body of men ready for any emergency. 3. Improvement of the physical standard of the youth of this country. 4. The duties are shared equally by all, instead of being borne by a few "willing horses." 5. Simplifies and improves training by regular attendances, and full musters at annual camps. 6. Fair to all employers and men instead of a small number bearing the burden of enforced leave. 7. Various branches of Army, the New Zealand Territorial Air Force, and Naval Reserve give ample scope for personal preference. 8. Would strengthen discipline and awaken the national spirit in New Zealand's youth. . ■ . ■ None of us wants war, but there is a world of sense in the Scout motto "Be Prepared." Should war. then jstrike-us we could defend our country.

and homes without' useless loss of life through lack of discipline and training. History shows us the fate of nations too weak to protect their birthright and freedom, so can we as British subjects allow this to happen? Let us accept fully our duty ,to our nation and uphold freedom and justice as true men.—l am, etc., ...

D.C.M.