NATIONAL DEFENCE LEAGUE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2172, 23 April 1908, Page 2

NATIONAL DEFENCE LEAGUE.

SPEECH BY MINISTER OF DEFENCE. COMPULSORY MILITARY TRAINING. (Press Association.) WELLINGTON, April 22. At a banquet hold to-night in connection with tho coiiferenco of tho National League, tho ITon. R. MeNab, acting-Ministor of Defence, said it was not tho Government’s policy to havo compulsory military training, lint no Administration should put any barrier in tho way of an organisation which desired to persuade the people that some system of compulsory training should be instituted. New Zealand was perhajis not so free from threats of war as people imagined, and this was an important matter, whether for external or internal defence. It was the first duty of the citizen to qualify himself so that he would be ready when tho Empire edColonel Robin, first military member of the Council of Defeneo, said ho was glad to see that while educating the peoplo on defence matters, the League had said nothing derogatory of the present system. Ho agreed as to tho necessity of bringing tho youth of the country to a military efficiency and to inculcate a spirit of patriotism.

. ENCOURAGEMENT OF RIFLE CLUBS. MILITARY INSTRUCTION IN SCHOOLS. (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, April 22. This morning the conference of delegates representing tho branches which form the National Defence League of New Zealand continued its sittings at Wellington, Captain Murdock presiding. It was resolved that the whole of the present officers and general council be retained in office. Tlie next annual conference is to be held at Wellington, and the date is to be left to the executive. It was moved by Mr. Findlay,— “That with a view to making rifle shooting a national object, this conference urges the Government to issue lilies to members of rifle clubs on tho same terms as volunteers.” The mover spoke of the great need for the better training of the masses and die difficulty there was in becoming proficient in the use of the rifle. The present grant of 120 rounds of ammunition to effective riflemen was absurdly insufficient, and 500 rounds were necessary. Lieut.-Col. Gordon spoke of the need for proper organisation of the people and the necessity for proper training. It was no use having rifle clubs throughout New Zealand unless they were under ail organisation, and at present they had none. If compulsory military training was insisted upon, the result would he that there would, be one huge rifle club for the whole of the colony. Captain McNaught believed the new regulations about to be brought in would be of a nature that would be good for the country and the ratepayer, and yet be of benefit to the rifle clubs. The motion was lost. ■Mr. Wooler moved, —“That the Government bo asked to include rifleshooting in the syllabus for the manual training classes in the public schools.” It was, he said, the first duty of every citizen to defend his hearth and home, and the way to give the capacity was by ensuring effective training for all. Captain McNaught seconded the motion. • lie was sorry to know that in some cases the school teachers simply handed the boys their rifles and ammunition, and let them fire it away without instructing. Mr. Kinsy, of Wainui, remarked that instruction in shooting was already included in the syllabus of the school in his district. He would like tq see the motion amended by the addition of the words, “That the Government be asked to provide training instruction for all schools.” Mr. E .Scott said the syllabus was already overlooked, and the League should be chary of passing tho motion. Many teachers objected to giving the military tuition, and many could not give it if they would. The motion was carried, and it was resolved that a deputation of tho delegates wait upon the Premier and urge this matter upon him.