THE Wairarapa Age MORNING DAILY. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1912. OUR MILITARY SYSTEM.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10554, 9 February 1912, Page 4

THE Wairarapa Age MORNING DAILY. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1912. OUR MILITARY SYSTEM.

The compulsory system of military training, which is just being introduced in New Zealand, is creating indignant resentment in certain quarters. Those who are most vigorous in their denunciation of what they term the "conscription" clauses of the Act are, generally speaking, the least interested in its administration. It is satisfactory to know that, while the system is as yet far from perfect, the bone and sinew of the country is adapting itself to the new order of things with equanimity. The word "compulsion" does not appeal to everybody. Indeed, it is repugnant to the average Britisher. This notwithstanding, the patriotism of the people is so pronounced that the sentimental-aspect of the question is entirely subordinated to that of the national welfare, and our young men are entering into the spirit of the defence movement with greater enthusiasm than one could reasonably have anticipated. In a few years' time the compulsory element in the system will he regarded with no more disfavour than are the compulsory clauses of our Education Act. In the meantime, the handful of anti-militar_ ists who regard the smell of powder as a diabolical assault upon their sensitive organs, are making all sorts*of reckless and unfounded statements concerning the new system. As an illustration of the extravagant langu-

ago employed by seme of these people, one need only quote the following letter from n resident of "Wellington, which was recently published in the "Hull News":— NOTE OF WARNING FROM !CEW ZEALAND-. aVthe 01 ' of tll€ "Hull News.") Sir, — Just a word from New Zealand through your paper to your many readers, to whom the above heading may interest. Your readers will be interested, to know that New Zealand has had ti.e law of compulsory conscription placed upon their shoulders, despite the fact that threeparts of the population are opposed to the same. The better to foist compulsory conscription upon New Zealand we are told that the young generation of this country are wanting in moral tone, character, and the bowing down before authority. Resenting this insult, New Zealanders, despite the persecution of a tyrant Government, have refused to enrol—from 20,000 to 21,000 refuse to bowdown before military law, despite the fact that our bcy6 have been thrown into gaol like common criminals. Our lads, through persecution, fled the land, with many more to follow ere many months are over. Sir, parents have been dragged through our courts because they cannot drive their sons to enter upon a military life against their will. The same cause has wrecked the happiness of hundreds of homes throughout the land. Military barracks have been wrecked, and officers have near lost thenlives owing to public resentment against cruel military persecution. Before many months hundreds are preparing to depart from New Zealand to lands where freedom and conscience are respoote-d. I write to warn all parents with families, especially youths, to beware of coming out to New Zealand. If you seek freedom and happiness, then beware of New Zealand. Let England remember that New Zealand, once a land of freedom, now suffers under a reign of brutal military persecution. Thousands cry for justice in the! name of conscience and liberty.— Yours, etc., G. DEE. Tinakori Road, Wellington, NewZealand, Sept. 28, 1911.

The author of the above remarkable epistle is worthy of better things. He should be in the employ of the Lib.-Lab. Federation, or some other institution which requires- an i elastic imagination and a' disregard ~for facts to prop' it up. • He is wasting his time in Tinakori Road, .Wellington, although, possibly, he is in i excellent company thereabouts. If I'G. Dee' is other than an escapee from ! Porirua, he will apologise to the ' young people of New Zealand for having written such extravagant rubbish, and he will write to the editor of the i "Hull News," telling him that he has j been dreaming.