ANTI TRAINING CAMPAIGN.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 8, 6 January 1913, Page 5

ANTI TRAINING CAMPAIGN.

HIGH COMMISSIONER’S RETORT. London, November 27. These are the comfortable words (writes the Wellington Post’s correspondent) .in which the Hon. Mr Mackenzie replies to Mr T. C. Gregory, of Bristol, who has been bombarding him with literature setting forth the wickedness and the oppression of the New Zealand system of universal training:— '“lt is really very good of you to take so much interest in other people’s affairs. You possibly forget that we are working under a Constitution which gives us certain rights, and you are overlooking the fact that we have been in the habit of working out our destiny in our own way without so much exterior, unappreciated advice. You also forget that what is being done has the almost unanimous support of our Parliament, and that our Parliament is responsible to New Zealanders and not to outs'ders. It may be news to you to learn that not only is our defence system not keeping desirable people away from New Zealand, but on the contrary, far more are applying to go to our grand country than we cau possibly find shipping accommodation for. The action you are taking, If it has the effect you claim for it; quite suits us, because, in keeping away those friends of yours who think the country not worth defending, you are unconsciously helping us by leaving passenger space in our ships for those desirable people that we want.” It may be stated that Australia displays prominently on her fine hoardings round the site of the new Commonwealth offices a plain statement that every young Australian is expected to train for the defence of his country.