THE KING COUNTRY CHRONICLE. THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 1909 DEFENCE.

King Country Chronicle, Volume III, Issue 144, 1 April 1909, Page 2

THE KING COUNTRY CHRONICLE. THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 1909 DEFENCE.

ADVANTAGE is being taken of the present naval cricis to urge the doctrine of compulsory military training in the Dominion, and it is stated that instructions have been issued by the Defence Council to the staffs of the various military districts to prepare for the enrolment of all young men, physically fit, ranging in age from 17 to 21 years. The activity is not prompted by any sudden impulse, consequent on the present naval agitation. For several years past the National Defence League has been working steadily in this Dominion towards the accomplishment of the end which now seems to be within measurable distance; the Commonwealth of Australia has been agitated over the question, and has practically adopted a somewhat similar scheme to that which has been promoted by the New Zealand League. The crusade of Lord Roberts in England has been an important factor in rousing the Empire to a sense of the National need, and with the signs of unrest exhibited by both Eastern and Western nations acting as a compelling force, it is not strange that various mictions of the British Empire should take steps to place themselves in such a position that in case of necessity the outposts of the Empire could play an important part in their own defence. The realisation of what the naval activity of Germany may mean has made it perfectly clear that the naval strength of the Empire may require to be concentrated at any time for the defence of the Motherland. It is therefore, the obvious and imperative duty of all the Empire's outposts, more particularly of remote New Zealand, to take active and intelligent steps to place themselves in a position of security. It is widely conceded that the Pacific is likely to become the theatre of the next great war, and, whatever part Britain may be called upon to play in the drama, her hand will ba immeasurably strengthened by the fact of her colonies being satisfactorily protected in the interior. In addition there is the all-important fact that our country is worth having. It is, there fore, worth protecting, and patriotic sentiment, combined with the best traditions of a nation which has suffered and fought in the sacred cause of Liberty, should inspire our people in the effort to preserve and perpetuate those traditions. Moreover, effective defend is the best surety of peace, and only by universal training can our defence be made effective.