Wairarapa Times-Age WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 1939. DEFENCE OF NEW ZEALAND.

Wairarapa Times-Age, 29 March 1939, Page 4

Wairarapa Times-Age WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 1939. DEFENCE OF NEW ZEALAND.

WORLD conditions today emphasize the fact that the outposts ' of the British Empire must arm to the utmost of thenpower in order to be in. a position to defend themselves against attack by an enemy. Britain has such a far-flung Empire tla . an adequate system of defence at all points is a problem bristling with difficulties and requiring close co-operation by every unit of the Commonwealth of British Nations, Hie defence of New Zealand is a matter of vital importance to its inhabitants. Every able bodied man should be capable of taking up arms in defence of his country at a moment/s nol ice.. Any attack on New Zealand would be more in the nature ox a sudden raid in the hope of causing destruction, loss of life and bringing about a state of terror which might have repercussions m a wider sphere. To successfully repel such an attack we must have a strong air force, sufficient strength at sea to engage an enemy, and an army properly trained and equipped with the most modern arms and mechanised methods of fighting. In regard to defence by means of aeroplanes, New Zealand is steadily building up an efficient force of men and machines, and Masterton is making a valuable contribution by training men as air pilots and mechanics. In this latter.connection the local Aero Club is performing excellent national service in its operations at the Hood Aerodrome, and its work in the defence scheme of the Dominion calls for special, commendation from those who control the activities of our air force.

Tn regard to land defence, there is every reason to believe that New Zealand can provide an army of similar strength and quality to that which fought under the Anzae banner during the Great War. To achieve this, however, there must be a. substantial, impetus given to our present method of training men in the bearing of arms. In the years before the Great War, when world conditions appeared to be more settled than they are today, the volunteer system operated very successfully, ami engendered a spirit of comradeship among the men, as well as providing a high state of proficiency, Masterton volunteers, in particular, being noted in the camps held in various parts 01. the North Island for the high standard of their work. Those in our local territorial force today.are,as capable and as keen as the men who preceded them.

But world conditions are changing, and geographical situations and the aspirations of the leaders of some foreign nations are bringing about a position in which it might well be asked if the time were not ripe for a genera] organisation for defence purposes. It goes against the grain of a British subject to be compelled to do something in which he has not had.'the option of choosing for himself; therefore, voluntary service appeals to him most, and if circumstances necessitate, lie responds most willingly, as was evidenced in the Great War as far as New Zealand ’was concerned. Despots are seeking world domination today, and, consequently, it is necessary for a Dominion so far from the heart of the British Empire as New Zealand is, to be ready to meet an emergency such as a raid by an enemy. We do not doubt that the authorities have carefully viewed the matter and do not intend to allow the Dominion to be found in a state of confusion and unable to help itself against attack, whether it be from the air, or .the sea, or bv a military force. The conference which is to be held shortly between representatives of Britain, New Zealand and Australia to discuss defence matters emphasizes the fact that Britain and her Dominions in the Pacific are thoroughly cognizant of the need for a policy of mutual defence against the attacks of an enemy. The interests of New Zealand and Australia are the same, and both are countries upon which some foreign Powers have’long cast covetous eyes. More than ever today there must be available a strong united defence of Britain’s possessions in the Pacific.