COMPULSORY TRAINING.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 303, 17 May 1911, Page 8

COMPULSORY TRAINING.

A SOCIALIST'S PROTEST. ANSWERED BvTIiMV AND NAVY. Auckland, Monday. The Miners' Union Hall, Waihi, 'was packed last night on the occasion of a meeting convened under the auspices of the Waihi Socialist Party to protest, against compulsory military training. The red ilag of Socialism was a conspicuous feature, being pinned to the drop scene on the stage. Mr. C. Smith (president of the Socialist Party) occupied the chair. The meeting proved a lively one, especially towards the end. Mr. Semple (organiser of the Federation of Labor), in a warm, sensational speech, said he would go to gaol rather than permit his two sons to be torn away from their mother for purposes of military training. In the event of war breaking out, he asserted, the coal-miners of the world would '-'down tools" and refuse to get coal for the murdering machines of warships. He would also say the same in regard to the coal-miners of the West Coast of New Zealand, and be would endeavor to foster this spirit whenever possible. He deprecated the waste of money in connection with the Coronation ceremony and the Dreadnought gift. An ex-soldier who had been through the Boer war opposed the views expressed by Mr. Semple, maintaining that it was necessary to be thoroughly equipped for war as a means of defence.

An ex-naval man supported tho previous speaker, asserting that preparedness was the liost, prevention against war, A resolution protesting against compulsory military training without first ascertaining the views of the people was carried, an amendment in favor of training as a means of defence being lost. Before any motion was put, however, a large number of people had left the building.