UNIVERSAL MILITARY TRAINING.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2520, 5 June 1909, Page 3

UNIVERSAL MILITARY TRAINING.

DISCUSSION AT THE Y.M.C.A

There was a largo attendance of members of the Y.M.C.A. in the Association’s rooms last ovening, to discuss the question of universal military training. Mr. F. S. Malcolm occupied the chair, and among those present were a largo number of members of the Gisborne Rifles and Defence Cadets in uniform.

Mr. J. R: Kirk said that he was not unmindful of the time that was to come when swords would bo turned into ploughshares, but preparedness for war was the surest guarantee of peaoe. In the centrei of the Empire there was a feeling of uncertainty and insecurity, and war was a possibility. It was not enough to shout jingoism and talk about the l flag that had braved the battle and the breeze, if they were not prepared to do something to keep the ilag flying. Public meetings bad been held in various towns in New Zealand, and resolution after resolution passed favoring compulsory military sendee, and shortly so much pressure would bo brought upon the Government that such a military system would have to be introduced. It was far better for young mon to become volunteers than to bo pressed into service. He said all honor to the volunteer, because he was prepared to do tho primary tiling in national life and defend his hearth and home. His (Mr. Kirk’s) object in being present at the meeting was to try and find out how many of the members of the Y.M.C.A. were volunteers, and how many wore prepared to join. Captain Beere .said that it was often thought that time devoted to volunteering was wasted. That was not so, because a man who had had some military training always made a better employee, and was more amenable to discipline. It was every Britisher’s duty to do his utmost to uphold the British flag. Volunteering offered many inducements to young men, such as physical training, outdoor exercise, and even football. There was nothing to prevent the Gisborne volunteers from being one of the best corps in the Dominion, because it was possible to pick good types of men. . Ritie shooting was not sufficient to make a good soldier, both good shooting and training being necessary. The Gisborne Rifles had room for a few good recruits, but ho thought the Y.M.C.A. could almost form a company from its members alone.

Lieutenant Somervell also spoke in favor of volunteering, and Mr. Goffe in favor of compulsory military training. . Mr. Toneycliffe moved—“ That this meeting is of opinion that the time has arrived when the Government should institute such a system of compulsory military training as will ensure that all men will be competent defenders of their country if, and when, called upon.” Mr. Malcolm seconded the motion, which was carried. , A vote of thanks was passed to Captain Beorc and Mr.- Kirk for their addresses, and the meeting closed.

The Mayor (Mr. W. D. Lysnar) is anxious to get Mr. R. McNab to come to Gisborne to lecture on the subject of compulsory military training. He communicated with Mr. McNab yesterday by telegram, and there is a possibility that Mr. McNab will arrange a visit to Poverty Bay. If it is found that that gentleman cannot accept the Mayor’s invitation, a public meeting will bo calledv - v

THE AGITATION IN OTHER

CENTRES

(Per Press Association.? NAPIER, June 4. At a public meeting to-night a resolution was passed asking for the introduction of a system of compulsory military training for the young. There was a very small attendance, only short notice’ of the meeting having been given. MASTERTON, June 4.

A well-attended meeting of the committee and supporters of universal military training was held this evening, when the following resolution was unanimously carried: —“That notwithstanding the enthusiasm of the volunteers, the voluntary system docs not provide adequate means of defence, and we therefore ask the Government to introduce a system of universal military training of the young men, and that a copy of the resolution be telegraphed to the Premier.” b NEW PLYMOUTH, June 4. A meeting of the National Defenco League to-night.. passed a resolution, 111 favor of universal military training. WELLINGTON, June 4. Meetings in support of the agitation for compulsory military training were held to-night in Wellington, Newtown, Kelburnc, Worser Bay, and ■ Petono. The night was stormy, nevertheless satisfactory numbers attended, and the speakers were listened to attentively. Resolutions in favor of compulsory military training were carried at all the meetings with little opposition. NELSON, June 4. At a meeting convened by the local branch of the National Defence League to-night, a -resolution was carried urging, the Government to institute a system of universal military training of youths andi men. .