COMPULSORY MILITARY TRAINING.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2470, 7 April 1909, Page 4

COMPULSORY MILITARY TRAINING.

DECLARED ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY. [Per Press Association.] , DUNEDIN, April 6. Spoakijiga.AU' tlie subject of international defence, Mr E. It. _Smith, formerly commander of the first battalion of Otago Rifles, but now. on the retired list, said: “The time has come when compulsory military training is absolutely necessary. We have a good country to defend. It is worth defending. .People must be made to take an active interest in the defence of the country. The’ volunteer system , which lias been tried for long has been found wanting, and, in my opinion, a compulsory system must be established. The patriotism that exists at- present is not sufficiently developed to cope with anv real danger. Mon must he trained for danger whenever there is danger. I don’t think the time is ripe for Increasing the permanent force in New-Zealand. I am strongly in favor of * considering candidates ineligible <>r Government employment until they have obtained a marksman’s certificate of profveienev. The proposal to provide rifle, ranges and free ammunition is essential, hut unless the men conic forward to ma'ko use of them, that part of the proposed scheme will lab short of the desired results.” A number of volunteer officials a -o Sup p o rted c<> mp u Iso ry train ill g.