STRONG APPROVAL.

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20280, 24 August 1937, Page 8

STRONG APPROVAL.

NEW DEFENCE POLICY. EFFECT IN THE WAIKATO. Strong approval of the Government’s defence scheme as announced by the Hon. F. Jones recently, was expressed by a member of the permanent staff in Hamilton, when speaking to a Waikato Times reporter yesterday, So far as its application to the Waikato was concerned it meant a considerable improvement in military facilities at the disposal of the authorities, while the work to be carried out could be done on a far greater and more effective scale than in the past.

The new system of training would offer much greater scope than previously in that night parades would be dispensed with, continued the speaker. There were many disadvantages involved in that type of instruction. Training could not be carried out very comprehensively indoors and with the new scheme more out-of-doors work could be accomplished. Another disadvantage with night parades was that the continuity of the work was incessantly broken by only a small proportion of the men taking part. Consequently a great number of trainees would miss important sections of the programme. Difficulties Overcome. All these difficulties would be dispensed with under the Government defence policy. Week-end parades, taking the form of bivouacs would be inaugurated and the use of mechanised transport introduced, while

courses iu military training would have the effect of acquainting the territorials with modern methods.

Hamilton lias already formed a motor-cycle platoon and the institution

appears to be very popular. Others are in operation all over the country and the increased enthusiasm in this sphere of instruction is noted by the Government which is seeking to encourage their formation.

The proposal to amalgamate certain units in order to bring some districts up to full strength, is not expected to affect the Waikato regiment to any great extent. The authorities were cf Ihe opinion that it would be more preferable to have a better system of training with less recruits, than have a greater number of territorials operating under the old

With the whole-hearted support of tile public ilie system could be carried into operation wilh the greatest success, said the speaker. It should be realised that the Government’s policy is meant to introduce a scheme of defence for the benefit of the people and appeal Is made to them to give all the assistance possible. Remarks Disputed. 'Commenting upon the statements recently made by officers in the territorial forces, the speaker disputed their remarks. They advocated that the scheme could not operate successfully whereas tlie informant maintained that tlie belter services offered would arouse more enthusiasm than in the past. Ilovvcver, lie agreed that the abolition of night parades was a step in the right direction.