COMPULSORY TRAINING.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXV, Issue 10713, 23 August 1913, Page 4

COMPULSORY TRAINING.

TKe system of compulsory training has now been, in operation in New Zealand for a couple of years, and one is entitled to form an opinion as to its ' probable effficiency. Judging from the statements that appear in the presabhrougihout lie Dominion, it does not seem that the new system is a very distinct improvement upon the old. There are a greater . number of permanent officials employed, and the numerical strength of the 'land force is probably superior to what it was under the Volunteer system, But are the rank and file as efficient as they were before the compulsory system was. introduced ? Do they enter into the spirit of the thing, and take a lively interest in their work? Are competent officers as readily available as before? In short, is the Dominion receiving value for the enormous sum of money that is being. expended upon the defence system ? These are questions to which one is entitled to receive an answer. The people of the Dominion are prepared to pay for an efficient system of defence," but they want to know that it really is efficient, or that there is a probability of its becoming so within:,a reasonable period.