DOMINION’S DEFENCE

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20504, 21 May 1938, Page 9

DOMINION’S DEFENCE

CONCERN OF FARMERS BRITISH REPORT WANTED (Special Reporter) AUCKLAND, Friday Unanimous support was accorded a remit dealing with the New Zealand defence forces that was Introduced by Mr G. D. Hunter, of Horsham Downs, at the Auckland Provincial Conference of the Farmers’ Union to-day. The remit expressed the conference’s alarm at the state of the New Zealand defence forces as revealed in the report of the territorial officers and asked the Dominion Conference of the Union to request the Government to inquire from the British Government the best way New Zealand could contribute toward the defence of the Empire and that the general purport of the British Government’s reply be made public. "I am sure that the publlo will support whole-heartedly any scheme outlined by the British General Staff.” said Major D. E. Bremner, "but they cannot be expected to support some queer, purposeless idea conceived by a civilian politician who apparently is giving the public what he thinks they think they want.” The Dominion’s ability to strike against the enemy depended on having a striking force, said Major Bremner, and a striking force in the light of past and present experience comprised trained and equipped fighting men. It had been stated that warfare had undergone a complete change, but if the present wars In Spain and China were considered, it would be seen that It was still the man with the bayonet who was the deciding factor in wars.