N.Z. Military Training Should be Compulsory Says Chamber of Commerce

Grey River Argus, 9 October 1948, Page 5

N.Z. Military Training Should be Compulsory Says Chamber of Commerce

P.A. WELLINGTON, October 8. . Compulsory military training is essential in New Zealand, if the Dominion is to achieve its requisite strength and state of preparedness, says the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, in a statement to-day. The Minister of Defence, it said, had already indicated that he was convinced that compulsory military service was necessary, and, from the reported remarks of the Prime Minister, it was clear that he was of the same mind. “Surely, if the two Ministers principally concerned, are of one mind in this matter, the Government should be able to reach a decision and to show qualities of leadership which are expected of it,” the statement continued. “Instead there is procrastination and talk of a referendum at a time when we face a critical phase in world affairs. It looks as if the Government is gambling with national security in order to retain a few votes.” The statement said that the Communists were trying to keep the country defence’ less, by using the trade union movement to foster their i aims, and also by using a “few easilyled students.” Was it the aim of those militants to disrupt the economy of the country by encouraging widespread industrial anarchy ? the statement asked. The need for preparedness to discourage aggressionminded nations, or to meet a state of actual war, was the paramount consideration, and it was the Government’s resnonsibility to act promptly and formly.