R.S.A. AND DEFENCE

Rotorua Morning Post, Issue 5295, 7 January 1947, Page 3

R.S.A. AND DEFENCE

Resolntions carried hy the Dominion Council of the New Zealand Returned Services' Association last May, urging the Government to adopt an adequate defence policy for the Dominion, were reaffirmed by Wanganui district branches at a conference attended by representatives of the Marton,, Hunterville, Rata, Taihape, Bulls, Waimarino and Wanganui associations. Mr. H. B. Burdekin '(Levin), provincial vice-president of the New Zealand Returned Services' Association, said that the United Kingdom Government, in consultation with the Chiefs of Staif of the three Services, had decided on a general plan of Empire defence. It was now time for the New Zealand Government to lay down a policy of defence in onformity with this general plan. The following resolutions were passed: — That the Government be urged to provide adequate Navy, Ar-my and Air Force defence of New Zealand immediately satisfactory arrangements can be ma'de with the Commonwealth and Empire Governments as to Avhat these i-equirements will he. That it be a recommendation to the Government to provide a scheme of compulsory physical and military training based on the requirements of

the respective Services. The conference decided also that ach association in the district forward copies of the resolutions to its local member of Parliament and request his support.