Untitled

Hokitika Guardian, 28 July 1930, Page 4

The economy axe lias been used by the Government on defence expenditure, inrespect to which the Estimates show a auction of over £200,000. For the time being the territorial system with compulsory training is" suspended. Having reached that stage, the reintro- j duction of compulsory training may be a difficulty, and perhaps only another great war period can awaken a real interest in the subject. ,In times of peace, military training is not taken very seriously. 4 here is the idea current, of course, that we are in for an extended, period of peace. If that be so, then from the national defence aspect there is wisdom in economising expenditure when money can be so illispared. On the other hand, the training robs the rising generation of use- > ful and healthful instruction where they enter on their duties in the spirit intended. It is left now for the public schools mainly to train the youth in drill as part of the school discipline, and in that sphere the instruction should serve a very useful purpose. Nowadays with the League of Nations, the Kellogg Pact, and the Naval Agree-

ment being consummated between Groat Britain, the United States and Japan, there is a. very hopeful feeling that war may be no more, The hope at all events is father to such a thought. On these lines the Government, lias gome tangible justification for pruning the Estimate affecting Defence, but for security within the Dominion this bent should not be carried too far. It is not wise to create a situation where the economy might prove to be applied foolishly, Naturally, the Government is bent at the moment in saving expediting to mimimise the extra taxation otherwise necessary, and looking round it can be seem that" the Great Powers are agreeing to reduce defencp substantially. So the force as a force goes, and not even a skeleton remains. An official staff only is being retained, and we will have the spectacle off officers without an Army! It is not improbable that at this juncture there may be a revival of the voluntary ser-vice-of other days. Under the old Volunteer system a very 'creditable force was established and that class of service may return. The wiping out of the Territorial cadets robs many young men of the opportunity for valuable physical and disciplinary training, and it would be well to see some effort in the way of n suitable substitute. The best that is offering at present is tfie •■-'tention of school cadets , and this should be used to the full advantage in regard to physical exercises to build up the stamina of the rising generation. I