THE DEFENCE SYSTEM.

Evening Star, Issue 22443, 14 September 1936, Page 11

THE DEFENCE SYSTEM.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —I read with great pleasure an article on defence in your issue of the 11th inst., and again an open letter in the Saturday issue, Mr M'Pherson having made some very sound suggestions. We have read with varying emotions short speeches by Government members dealing with this problem, but up to now no plan has apparently been formed. Surely it is time the youth of New Zealand realised the responsibilities of Empire which rest on their shoulders, andi without being forced took steps to fit themselves to defend their homes and Empire from invasion. If a land is worth living la it is worth fighting for and maintaining for their sons. If New Zealander* will not take the trouble to prepare themselves for such an emergency, how can they expect Great Britain to coine to their assistance? Australia has a vastly bigger problem of defence, yet she is pulling her weight and has a very fine voluntary service. The British’Empire led the world in pacifism, but it will not work, and now, with Europe an armed camp, Great Britain has had to rearm on an unprecedented scale, not because the taxpayer likes being taxed, but of stern necessity. No sane man wants war, hut if one i* forced l on us let us at least be ready, for it will be too late to raise an army when the enemy is at the door. . I take off my hat to the officers and men of the Territorial ' Forces, who give their time, very often at their own expense, to fit. themselves to worthily uphold the records and traditions of their regiments and train themselves as leaders, etc., to be ready for any emergency. The yputh of tc-day. if trained on the lines outlined by Mr M'Pherson, could derive only benefit from it, and if never called on for active service would tend to mako bettor citizens. As the Government is apparently so slow in forming a policy, I would suggest that the various units start a vigorous recruiting campaign. One rountary man is worth a dozen conscripts. Tt is action wo want, not a fiddle while Retro limits.—l am. etc., Ex-IIUC L’J.All All JIV . September It.