DEFENCE.

King Country Chronicle, Volume I, Issue 8, 14 December 1906, Page 3

DEFENCE.

We have received a copy of the first number of " Defence," the official organ of the National League of New Zealand. In a foreword to the public is set forth concisely the aims and objects of the league, and the issue also contains the constitution and rules of the body, with full and complete information as to the work accomplished to date. The object and work of the league must have the active sympathy of all thinking people and those whose patriotism does not stop at declaring New Zealand to be God's own Country.". Copies of " Defence," which is published monthly, are delivered to all members free, and membership can be obtained on the payment of a yearly subscription of one shilling. It is the obvious duty of all to take the opportunity of becoming thoroughly acquainted with a movement of common sense patriotism, and we shall be pleased to afford all the information with regard to the movement. ;In order to give our readers an insight into the object of the League, we publish below the opening announcement of " Defence

The National League of New Zealand is i being established to organise and educate public opinion throughout the entire Colony on behalf of defensive action. It is connected with no party.. It appeals to every dmzen who realises that peace is among the greatest of human blessings, and that security within our borders can only be ensured by our being able to defend ourselves from attack. New Zealand is not safe at the present time if by unforeseen circumstances the protection afforded to us by the Imperial Navy should temporarily fail us. Those who are most loyal to the " first line of defence " will be the first to understand the urgency of having the " second line " in order and the relief which would be afforded to the Imperial authorities if by universal defensive training these islands were made in themslves impregnable. For it is undoubtedly the first duty of the Imperial Navy to protect the heart of the Empire; it is our Colonial duty, as in great emergency it would be found to be our Colonial business, to protect our land. Are we able to do this ? Every man in the colony who thinks about it knows that we are not. The difficulty is that people do not think about it, and that those who do, have not yet taken concerted steps to secure the public safety. Everybody is interested in this. In Europe and in Asia, both great militant states are steadily increasing their armaments, and we may be sure that they do not do this" for amusement. They are arming for attack —on somebody. New Zealand must arm, not to attack anybody, but to defend herself; not by the conscription that fills a country with costly barracks, but by a universal defensive training which will familiarise every young man with the use of defensive weapons. If we do this, every man will ultimately be able, in need, to effectively defend his country and his home, and those that are dearer to him than himself. And we must have Britishers on our coastal shipping, for only our own sailormen will die fighting for us when trouble comes. The foreigner won't! Why should he ? Defensive training will take no young man away from his home any more than cadet-training takes boys from their homes. He will pursue his civil life without interruption, as at present, but will learn how to defend his country in spare hours and spare days as now he learns to play football. Is this too much to ask of New Zea-landers-born ? Is there any other practical way of making New Zealand safe? Is New Zealand worth it? That is a.question which every man and woman can answer for themselves. Those who think that it needs defending, that it is worth defending, and that the proposals of the League are on righteous and ireasonable lines, will join the National League, and, if able, will help by voluntary donations to push the movement.