UNIVERSAL TRAINING

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 71, 20 April 1909, Page 2

UNIVERSAL TRAINING

MKKTLMi IN WhU.lNtn'ON. By Telegraph.-Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. A preliminary meeting of citizens in favor of urghig I lie tiovcriiment to establish imivoi-MiJ military training was held in Wellington this year. About sixty persons wore'present, and .Mr. .). I*. Luke, M.P.. presided, in the absence of the Mayor. Mr. Luke said something superior to the present .system of defenee was needed, t-'peaking as un. employer, lie thought employers would be prepared to sacrifice tlie time of their workmen necessary for the purposes of efficient training of the men. They should make recommendations which would assist the Premier hi bringing bis defence scheme before Parliament, He hoped the meeting would be the birth of a broader, truer, and quicker spirit in regard to defence. The Hon. 11. A. Loughnaii, M.L.C., moved: "That the meeting resolve itself into a committee to co-operate with the National Defence League in holding a public meeting of citizens to urge the i fiovernment to institute a system of j universal military training." | It the course of discussion, it was gen- | erallv agreed that universal training is | desirable. One speaker asked whether I the idea was that employers should pay their men for time t,pent in camp. If ifl, that would involve hardship. The chairman thought employers •would lie unable to stand such a .-train. Employers would give the men the neccssarv time, but the general public should foot the bill. The Rev. J)r. (iibb said his nihil was not made up in regard to compulsory (raining. Was New Zealand to have a system similar to that of Germany? Voices: Xo. Mr. Shirtelill'c pointed out that the resolution aimed at compulsory training, not military service, lie believed h a few webs of iinnual training on German lines. The resolution wa» carried unanimously. rt was also resolved that all present be asked to contribute not more than 2s (lil towards the expenses, Is of each 2s (id being taken to lie their subscription ,to the National Defence League.