NEW ZEALAND'S DEFENCE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 60, 5 April 1909, Page 3

NEW ZEALAND'S DEFENCE.

THE PROPOSED REFORMS. STATEMENT ]!V THE PREMIER. Speaking at Upper Hutt on Fridav "'!'!"!* l lc l ' (Sir Joseph Ward') «aid the Government proposed tosul.mit to '.ill, anient next sessio.i-and he hoped to receive the support of all members in regard to it-a material alteration in coirncot.on "'ith our, system of defence, ihey would submit proposals nut »f •, compulsory ehuracler, which would ensure a national system of drill i or the youth of the country from the time th«y went to school, passing tlirou-li cadet ami volunteer corps, until they reached the age of 21 years. This would make it ahsolutely certain that the younger portion of the community would be equipped in this direction as efficiently and as effectively as if they tried to force upon them a system of compulsion which a great many people wore opposed to In the proposal which would be made to Parliament they would lie able to submit a very niueii better scheme of defence than'was in existence at present, and one that would he stronger and better than anything previously tried, as far as internal de° fences were concerned. NO JINGOISM.

There was not a member of the present Administration actuated by any spirit in reeling of jingoism. They were favorable to peace, which every' rightthinking person desired. They must take, the responsibility of the growing value of the country, and must help to maintain that position which, went to ensure the continuity of -peace. They should have assistance of large number's of men who might be termed The reserve. Thoy would make provision for rifle ranges from end to end of New Zealand at the cost of the country. They would see also that every one of the rifle, clubs of the Dominion received a supply of ammunition free, to the extent of 250 rounds per man. It was realised that rifle clubs were actively engaged in training men who would be of the utmost value at an emergency. A STRONG LAND FORCE. '

■Without introducing any spirit of | militarism they ought to be able to have available a strong laud force, which could be brought into active co-opera - [ tion with other forces, to maintain our position, if attacked'. They recognised that Britain must be ready upon the sea to uphold that supremacy with which our existence as an inland dominion, the existence of Great Britain itself, ami those interests outside of our own, should be reserved, and Great Britain should be maintained mistress of ihe sea. The Ministry in these things bad no other motive, except the recognition of the enormous responsibility resting upon their shoulders of d'oing what they believed to be right and best in maintaining unsullied, in the interests of the present and future generations, the country that was proud to belong to the Old Land, proud to fly the British flag. (Applause).