GENERAL RICHARDSON

Hokitika Guardian, 25 October 1919, Page 3

GENERAL RICHARDSON

HAMILTON, Oct. 21

Brigadier-General G. S. Richardson, in the course of an interview, said it was absolutely necessary to make preparations for the defence of the country. Those who regarded the consummation of the League of Nations as the death-knell of war would, he wais much afraid, be greatly mistaken. The first interest of the country was to get the soldiers settled in civil life again as quickly as possible, so that they would become productive, and assist in building up the country’s commerce. This was the greatest essential at the present time. After that, he would advocate a vigorous immigration policy, with the idea of building up the population, so that when the time came, New Zealand, would he in ai position to defend itself. At present New Zealand was surrounded by densely-populated countries, and a small population was a source of weakness. General Richardson said lie comsidered the protest of the Baptist Conference at Christchurch regarding foul language and the lowering of moral of the concentration camps was all nonsense. There was need of public education in matters of defence.. , General Richardson declared that he had no intention of entering politics, adding:. ‘Tt is very seldom that a professional soldier makes a successful politician.” , ADCKLAND, October 21. Brigadier-General G. S. Richardson arrived in Auckland to-night, having spent the day in Hamilton on departmental business. Interviewed, General Ricliadson, said lie did not think the people of New Zealand yet realised their full obligation to tho disabled ancj unfit men. He referred particularly to those men suffering from heart and nerve troubles. The disabilities of such cases were not always apparent, and for that reason there was a danger of their not receiving tho isympntheic treatment to which they were entitled. General Richardson paid a warm tribute to tho work of the (Repatriation Boards.