FACING THE ISSUE

Hokitika Guardian, 12 June 1930, Page 2

FACING THE ISSUE

COST OF NATIONAL TRAINING.

NEW PLYMOUTH, June 7

The country could not carry on jx)st-war expenditure when its inqomo was on a pre-war scale, said Mr W. J. Poison, president of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union, speaking last night at the annual meeting of the Stratford Ex-Servicemen’s League, when the subject of military training was under discussion. The reduced prices of exports, the speaker said, made it necessary to save £3,000,000 in order to balance the national accounts.

The depression, Mr Poison added, was not at its worst, which phase would, lie thought, occur about next November. In the operation ot balancing the accounts, it would be necessary to reduce the defence vote. However, he did not think it would be necessary to destroy the territorial system of the country, although it might bo necessary to suspend until prospects were briglvter. New Zealand was a small country, proceeded the speaker, and while there was some degree of disarmament in the world the defence vote in New .Zealand was increasing, and lie was opposed to any increase under the circumstances.

PROGRAMME OF NATIONAL

LEAGUE.

CAMPAIGN IN NEW ZEALAND.

WELLINGTON, June 7

The constitution of the National Defence League, which is being revived in Nelv, Zealand, with MajorGeneral SiL;Andrew Russell as president, provides that the league shall bo non-party politically, except that it. will oppose any political party w.l licih aims at weakening the national defence forces of New Zealand, or which would dispense with the compulsory training system or in any way impair the efficiency of the defence forces. No professionally-paid soldier in the. employ of the Defence Department or any other profession-ally-paid member of the naval,' military or -.air force can, under any "cir c-umstances whatever, be an officer of the league, and the same restrict iof applies to shareholders and officials of any ammunition manufacturing - company. , ,

The objects of the leagvwe aiy t r maintain a white New Zealand-, to secure the immunity of the country from invasion, and to educate citizens upon such measures of defence as may be considered necessary. The league accordingly advocates universal training, the embodiment of the lessons of the la to war in the training systems; the adequate equipment of the defence force, and' the immediate consideration of providing machinery lit the Dominion for the manufacture of shells, small arms and ammunition,• such plants to be Stateowned, The league also seeks the provision ; of, at least two safe harbours for the protection of shipping, the fuller training of territorial offi cers and N.C.O.’s, and the removal of the control of recruiting or defence forces from the defence authorities and placing it in the hands of a civil department of the State.

The moral train in" of youths and education’ in the ideals of good fitisienship are also, supported. -The. league advocates the suppression of bad language in camps and the taking of every precaution to preserve the- health of boys while training, and the education of the boys to observe health principles. Tim strengthening; and encouragement oi' rifle clubs, the principle of equality of economic sacrifice in war time, and any legitimate, means for strengthening national defence are also supported by the league. A campaign will shortly be launched to establish; the league throughout New Zealand.

“LEAVE IT* INTACT.”

STRATFORD. June 7

At the au,nua| meeting of the Exservice League a motion was passed, urging that the present defence system be not interfered with.

OPPOSITION TO ABOLITION

WELLINGTON, June 7

A weII-attended meeting of th e rer vived National Defence League elected general , and Wellington district councils and executive officers. Thf Prime Minister and the Minister of Defence are to be asked to receive a deputation at an early date, so that Cabi ,iof may have the advantage of considering the league’s views befoue arriving at any decisions.

R.S.A. BRANCH’S VIEWS.

HAMILTON. June 7

At a meeting of the Returned Sob diers’ Association in Hamilton it was decided to forward the following remit to the forthcoming Dominion conference“ That while the public of New Zealand is" able to expend the money which is now spent annually on motor cars, pictures, racing and other luxuries, the country can afford the amount at present allocated for defence as an assurance against attack outside Power; but tha* while the present economic situation may necessitate some curtailment of expenses, it is a mistake to do away altogtlicr with the present defence svstem.