“SENTENCE OF DEATH”

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1020, 10 July 1930, Page 7

“SENTENCE OF DEATH”

ABOLISHING COMPULSORY MILITARY TRAINING TERRITORIALS' OPPOSITION “Those who advocate the aboli* ” tion of compulsory military training are only sentencing the present generation or a future generation to death.” This statement was made by Mr. Mervyn Reed, at a largely-at-tended meeting of territorials, held in the Drill Hall, Rutland Street, last evening, for the purpose of forming an Auckland branch of the Past and Present Territorials’ Association of New Zealand, a body recently formed in Wellington. The meeting decided unanimously to form a branch of the association, and after a number of speakers had been heard in support, officers were elected. “The object of the association is the safeguarding of the interests of territorials in the same manner that the Navy League looks after the navy portion,” continued Mr. Reed. “The association is all for the League of Nations if its proposals can be carried into effect, but we are not in favour of disarmament if the defences of the British Empire are to be impaired. “Men between the ages of 18 and 45 can become members of the association, but we have specially excluded from membership officers and men in the employ of the Defence Forces of New Zealand. It is purely a citizens’ affair. In no way can this movement be misconstrued into a propaganda campaign. It is purely educational. GOVERNMENT IMPOSITION “It has been freely reported that the money for defence is to be reduced to ,€190,000 per annum. In 1909 £ 190,347 was spent on the maintenance of 11,000 volunteers, a sum which, according to the Government Statistician is £297,500 in present-day value,” continued Mr. Reed. "This association feels that the Defence Department should not be Imposed upon because of a national deficit of £3.000,000. The figures show that the Government has absolutely torn into the Defence Department in the hope that there will be no outcry against it, but if we can stir up the country against the cut we will do so. “There are three schools of thought against us. The first advocates the absolute abolition of the defence system. The Hon. A. S. Malcolm, M.L.C., said in the Legislative Council that he was glad to see that defence was to be cut. He couldn’t see the necessity of training an army in time of peace. Of all the stupid remarks that have emanated from that august body that is the worst. The second school of thought advocates the return to the voluntary system. I have nothing but admiration for the old patriotic volunteers.” The speaker* detailed the difference between the training under the old volunteer system and that under the present scheme. “The third scheme is that which wants a revision of the present system,” he continued. “This association does not intend to interfere with the experts at present in charge of defence, or in other words to ‘teach our grandmother to suck eggs.’ The territorial system at present is more efficient than ever before. You know what good it is sending half-baked troops into action. They are mowed down as with scythes. 1 have seen it myself.” CASE FOR THE CAMPS A strong case for the continuance of the present system was made out by Mr. If. Mitchell. “The question of the abolition of compulsory military training has been approached from many angles except from the point of view of the territorial himself,” he said. “Many territorials have kicked against turning out for parades, but they have gone on to - serve longer than has been necessary for them to do so. Some of them who have gone into the territorials against their will have become among the keenest of the lot. “Much has been said against the camps and the evils to be learned there. Some people have eaid that in camp young men have learned to drink and swear. But I am sure that there is not a man who learned the taste of beer in an annual camp or to learn to swear any better than he could before he went there.” (Laughter and applause.) “Money spent in defence is merely an insurance with the Government paying the premium. People talk about the work being done by the League of Nations, but America, one of the strongest nations in the world, is not. a member, and Italy is arming as quickly as possible, while there is trouble in India. I contend that it is absolutely necessary that New Zealand be armed and prepared for war at any moment. If anything happens in India it is our duty to send troops there which we can do much quicker than the Old Country.” Various other speakers spoke emphatically and strongly in support of the remarks of previous speakers. A resolution that the meeting was definitely opposed to all legislation which aims at dispensing with, or lessening the efficiency of compulsory military training, and also that it expected all members of Parliament, irrespective of party, who appreciate the duty of New Zealand manhood to protect their homes and families and to oppose strenuously all such destructive legislation, was passed, to be forward to all members of Parliament. ' Members stood in silence as a tribute to the late Sir Joseph Ward, whose Government had brought in the Compulsory Military Training Bill, and passed a resolution of condolence with his relatives. Officers were elected as follow: Chairman, Captain Mervyn Reed: hon. secretary, Lieutenant T. H. Busck: hon. treasurer, Mr. A. Bayliss; committee. Lieutenant H. M. Green. Sergeant R. W. Adams and Corporal H. A. C. Davy (3rd. Auckland Regiment), Gunners TI. Mitchell and A. Grey (Artillery), Sergeants Raper and Doherty (North Auckland Regiment). Captain IT. D. C. Wilson (Mounted Rifles), Sergeant H. W. Johnson (Engineers), Lieutenant E. V. Fry (Sigpallers), Lieutenant A. W. Littlejohn (A.S.C.), Lieutenant J. H. Will (Medical Corps).