UNIVERSAL MILITARY TRAINING

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 109, 5 June 1909, Page 2

UNIVERSAL MILITARY TRAINING

By Telegraph.—Press Association, .Masterton, hast Night. Ait a well-attended meeting of the committee and supporters of universal military training thin evening, thv following resolution was enthusiastically earrie.L "That notwithstanding tin enthusiasm of tlie volunteers, the voluntary system does not provide ndvi|iiate menus or' defence, ami we therefore ask tlie liovernment to introduce a s\st.em of universal military training of ihe young men. and that a copy of this resohr tion be telegraphed to the Premier." i

' Xi.'lson. I.ast Xiglit. Al a meeting convened by the local branch of the National Defence League to-night a ivsolution was carried urging the Oovcrmnciil to institute a system of universal military training of young men. Wellington. Last Xight. Meetings in support of tile agitation lor compulsory military training were held to-night in Wellington, Newtown, Kel'buvue. Worser Hay and I'etone. Tlie night was stormy . Nevertheless satinfactory numbers attended, and (he speakers were listened to attentively. Uesolutions in favor of compulsory military training were carried at all the meetings, with little opposition.

About a dozen members of the New Plymouth Branch of the National Defence League met at the Council Chamber* last eveiiing. His Worship the Mayor occupied the chair ami explained that tin* object of the meeting was the passing of a resolution relative to the military system of the .Dominion, ilo aUo stated that similar meetings wciv being held simultaneously in all the principal towns of the Dominion. The secretary was instructed tu send to ilie Prime Minister the following resolution, proposed by the Mayor and seconded by -Mr. Cnrkill and carried unanimouslv:

" That not withstanding the enthusiasm of the volunteers, the volunteering system does not provide adequate mean* of defence, and we therefore a*k the Government to iutroilnce a system of universal military training of the .Voting men/'

Tin* secretary reported having ordered five hundred petition forms with th» above resolution atUu-Ucd. The-v would be circulated by member* ami others, and as many signatures as possible secured.

The customary vot* lo the chairman terminated the meeting.