THE DEFENCE SYSTEM

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 26, 25 July 1911, Page 5

THE DEFENCE SYSTEM

MEETINGS OF PROTEST. By Telegropli—Press Association. Wellington, Monday. A meeting to protest against compulsory military training was held last night. It was a doubtful success from the promoters' point of view, as more than half those present were young men enthusiastically in favor of the scheme. Mr. W. Bedford presided and' asked the audience to sing the "Song of Revolt No. 4.'' This resulted in a solo, and wa.s speedily drowned in guffaws. A resolution "that this meeting is strongly opposed to compulsory militarv training, as it is in direct opposition to the great traditions of freedom upheld by Britain, and demands the repeal of the Act," was supported by barely half the audience. The supporters of military training then rose and cheered. $ Auckland, Monday. A public meeting, convened by 'the local branch of the Anti-Militarist Society, on Sunday was largely attended, it was decided to hold a public demonstration in about a fortnight. Delegates were appointed to ask the eo-' operation of the Peace Society and of various working men's unions to arrange for concerted action to justify the contention that there is intense Srn. t0 ( '° mpulsor ' v military ti,lining It was agreed to supply legal advice where require, in cases' where lads were sued for not enrolling, and to communicate with kindred societies in action 1 a ViCW t0 Co " fwW . , aihi, Monday. l < 'M horc kst u 'S: ht mule, the auspices of the Socialists to tni.i.L " Ka , mst . compulsory military 7' , a ''ranch of a movement, opposed to the scheme was formed and iceis elected. The president of the Socialists said that moral and financial assistance would be given to those refusing to register.