FILLING THE FIGHTING RANKS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 111, 17 January 1940, Page 4

FILLING THE FIGHTING RANKS

THE meeting of the Bay of Plenty Zone Committee of the Auckland Provincial Patriotic Council, brings home the fact that more and still more men are wanted to fill the fighting ranks of the Dominion's overseas contingents. The question of Conscription versus Voluntary Service becomes a burning one in which every one is interested. With the fiist Eche lon already despatched and with the second rapidly filling its quota, it is folly to suggest that New Zealand is apathatic as some people appear to believe. But on the. other hand how long can the system be successfully applied. Possibly the second, and the third overseas forces will be filled with men who of their own free will have offered their services without reserve. Undoubtedly they can be termed the flower of the country's manhood. At the same time there are many thousands of patriotic young fellows who consider that Conscription, in spite of the stigma attached to forced service, is the fairest and most equitable method, and would welcome its introduction- All, they claim would be then placed on the same basis, and the fighting detachments drawn from the community irrespective of the position of the individual, or the qualifications which may or may not equip him for a continuation of civil life. Every young man, providing he is physically fit to stand up to military training is liable for service and the district quotas would be drawn from time to time by the simple process of ballot. To many this appears to be fairer than the prolonged appeal for volunteers—for it becomes a case of the willing horse, once again carrying the burden of the day, while the selfish objector, the pacifist and the deliberately disinterested remain at home, living in the security provided by the stalwarts in the front line. Dame Rumour has it that Conscription will be introduced after the approaching Easter Holidays. The same fickle lady has been responsible for a lot of tall stories which have gained wide circulation. However in the present case where there are so many hangingback for the introduction of conscription, the measure would on the w T hole, be sure of a popular reception.