INADEQUATE DEFENCE

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20501, 18 May 1938, Page 6

INADEQUATE DEFENCE

COMPULSORY TRAIN IF.'Q ADVOCATED IN. DUNEDIN .By Teiegr*p*> ** im-n-DUNEDIN. Wedner,da> In a ' lengthy discussion by the Chamber of Canmerre all the speaker* were more or tests decided in the opinion that some form of compulsory training \xas necessary. Resolutions were passed affirming the urgency of the matter, the Chamber pledging itself support loyally any messages to make defence move secure, even if such involved compute sory training. Mr W. R. Chapman, vice-president of the junior chamber, which had ear- % ried a resolution unanimously that compulsory training was essential and that an Imperial Army officer be given command free from Government supervision or interference, stated there w.;s no doubt Ihe army of defence had deteriorated and the Government appeared to have lost interest. Probably 50 per cent, of the force would not pass a physical test, and 23 per cent, would not be lit for a higher rank than sergeant. while tlie remaining 25 per cent, would make only mediocre privates. A suggestion by Mr A. C. Cameron was that there should be three months’ unbroken training In the first year, six weeks in the second and third, the training to be completed between the ages of 17 and 21.