DEFENCE PLANS

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20512, 31 May 1938, Page 10

DEFENCE PLANS

ILL-INFORMED CRITICS BEST ADVICE WAS TAKEN COLONEL P. H. BELL’S OPINION (Special to Times) CHRISTCHURCH, Monday Disapproval ol criticism of the Government's defence programme was expressed by Colonel P. H. Bell, officer commanding the Southern Military District (formerly of Hamilton), replying to a toast at the annual reunion of the Veterans’ Association. "What I really want to do is to say something about the army,” said Colonel Bell, "and I am very glad to be speaking to men of your discretion and experience. There has been a great deal of criticism of the way in which the New’ Zealand forces are being reorganised. Everyone seems to know what the country needs. But it must be remembered that the reorganisation programme was framed after very great consideration by the Government, after taking the best advice obtainable in New Zealand and in the Mother Country." It might be that after further experience the authorities might conclude that something different from the present programme was needed. But reasonable men would give the present plans a chance before criticising.

"It is my conviction that ultimately we shall produce a very good show,” Colonel Bell continued. “All the young men in this country want to know is that they are wanted. When that is clearly shown to them they will come in. When one finds people writing to the newspapers and criticising, without real knowledge, It disheartens the young men. But if the young men knew that the whole country with the Government behind it, wanted a defence force, they would do their part. The young men are as good as ever."