UNIVERSAL MILITARY TRAINING.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 3673, 7 November 1912, Page 6

UNIVERSAL MILITARY TRAINING.

CTO THE EDIT OK.) Sir, —The Magistrate for this cl is- j trict made emphatic reference from the Bench a few clays since upon the excellent defence scheme provided for by law for our Dominion, and upon the neglect of the regulations governing it by our youth. Surely the latter is a matter much to b© deplored. One would suppose every young fellow would eagerly avail himself of every 'opportunity presenting itself to be trained to arms and qualify himself for the effective protection of his country and fireside. Lord Roberts at Manchester the other clay emphasised the importance of straight shooting in the Army, and the necessary drill to acquire competency in that connection. So we 'have here two opinions that are worthy of the greatest consideration. If anything further were needed to accentuate the opinions named, one can look at tlie recent glorious and continuous successes of- the citizen armies of the Balkan States against the Turks. The former armies are * all trained men and noted shots. It is not too much to say that every ablebodied man in these States is an expert rifleman. To-day they know the benefit of it. Their’opponents upon the other hand have in many cases purchased exemption from military service, and they know what their want of patriotism has cost their country. Everyone should he proud to he a unit of the greatest empire the world has ever seen and to fit himself for the defence of his little part of it. Let us hope that better feeling will obtain upon this important matter, and the youth of our countrv fill the part which is theirs, not only with willingness, hut eagerness. 1 feel sure that the women of New Zealand will look upon them with all the greater favor for it.'—l am, etc., PRO PATRIA.