The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY, MAY 25, 1931. REVISED DEFENCE SCHEME

Hokitika Guardian, 25 May 1931, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY, MAY 25, 1931. REVISED DEFENCE SCHEME

Thk Government caused some alarm by the wholesale reduction of defence lately. The sudden change was tolerated in most quarters where concern was felt, because, what had been done, was carried out in the name of economy, and it wa s felt that all rounu sacrifice had to be accepted as a condition of the times. In the interval, those responsible have had time, and probably occasion, to consider the situation more .seriously in the light of the national needs, and very properly the subject of defence is not going to hie. totally neglected, as appeared the prospect under the former steps, A new scheme of defence in regard to organisation and training was announced lately, and while it js not as embracing as the former system, it is none the less something tangible, and will assist to provide for the necessities. The proposal is to return to tUe voluntary service system of other days, and that will eotrainly he hotter than the total negation of all service. In the old volunteer days a very fine spirit ol’ service for the national good was manifested by the people who made volunteering a pleasure rather than an irksome duty. The ranks were filled with enthusiasts, and very capable service was rendered. In all stages of the country’s needs the volunteer system provided everything that was desired, and the voluntary basis on which the men served brought to the ranks and to the service of Now Zealand, a very efficient body of men. The volunteer service of other days was superseded hocauso the proper principle was laid down that the defence of the hearths and homes was the duty of the many and not of the few. The voluntary system did not have the financial, support which was meted out to the compulsory system, Had it been supported with more finance, there might not have been the need for the change, but at no time since has there been ft better spirit for service than in the volunteer days, and there has been the feeling always that it was a mistake to dislocate it as completely as was done afc the time, it was closed down upon with very many regrets, and it says something for the system that at the present when the need for a skeleton defence force is recognised, the Government is disposed once again to appeal to the volunteer spirit of tine- people. Human nature, after all, does not alter very greatly, and when those eligible come to recognise the scope of the revised proposal, and the need for it in the public interests, the response should not be in vain. In particular, there, should be an early revival of the cadet movement, beginning with the schools. Drill is essential to ensure the best organisation and readiness to command, and a smart school corps is where the best educational results aro being achieved. The pupils grow more attentive and receptive, and profit individually accordingly. (School training gives the inclination to carry on in the volunteer system when school days are past, and a corps of ex-school pupils, well disciplined as they would he, would be an acquisition to any system. We know in the Orient War how the schoolboy soldier flocked to the colours when the Empire called. There was the typical school-bov portrayed in “Journey’s End,” and what a notable character he was—an, asset to tho nation when the country needed his services. The volunteer creates and esprit-de-corps which becomes the feature of tho organisation, and challenges emulation among all who join the ranks. We believe, too, that the training undergone in the work ol soldering is particularly good for the individual. The exercise is healthful. The knowledge gained is easily carried, and the discipline is useful. Men rub shoulders in a practical way, and get a clearer understanding of service. A revival of volunteering with the- old spirit rampant, would be an asset to any centre of population. Tt would indicate the readiness of citizens to serve their country, and show a willingness to undertake, the duties of life. Because of the value to the individual and to the nation, the return to tho voluntary system is to be welcomed. Tt will fill a necessary want, and if New Zealand manhood answers the call as may he oxneeted, it will be all for the good of the country, and the advancement of our citizenship.