Bay Of Plenty Beacon Published Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. WEDNESDAY, SEPT, 29, 1948 CONSCRIPTION

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 13, Issue 1, 29 September 1948, Page 4

Bay Of Plenty Beacon Published Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. WEDNESDAY, SEPT, 29, 1948

CONSCRIPTION

Peace-time conscription for military training is a live topic of discussion today, and the proposal has been hotly opposed by certain pressure groups within the trade union movement. Some of their points have force.

There is, for instance, logic in the claim that the present Government, to remain consistent with the traditions of Labour in New Zealand, should not introduce such a measure without a referendum. To suggest, as has been suggested within the Federation of Labour, that the vote be taken only amongst those who would be liable to serve might be carrying the thing a bit too far. After all, while one might be prepared to admit that that group is the one most likely to be affected, it cannot be denied that this' is a question which touches on our national security and possibly our whole economy. Moreover, it can be expected to have serious repercussions on family life. That was instanced during the war just past. And, since their sons and husbands are those to be conscripted, should not the women have a vote in such a referendum?

Definitely,'if there is to be such a poll—and one sees no reason why this question should not be taken as seriously as that of off-the-course betting—then let it be of ALL groups likely to be affected.

It was pointed out quite logically the other day by a correspondent in a city paper that the very people who are opposing compulsory military service *so strongly are those who bull-doz-ed the Government into making trade union membership compulsory. The correspondent considered that inconsistent. It does indeed appear to be so. It is claimed by the supporters of compulsory unionism that all workers benefit from the activities of the unions in striving for better conditions, therefore it is fair that all should be compelled to subscribe to the cost of those activities. On the .face of it, that does seem to make sense. But, can mondy subscribed from union funds for political Party work be honestly said to have contributed to the workers’ welfare? That point is debatable, and how the individual

worker views it depends entirely upon his own Party affiliations. One of the main arguments often used against conscription—that a willing soldier is likely to be a better soldier than one enlisted against his will—can be applied with equal force to the trade union question. It can be said that a small membership of enthusiasts, heart and soul behind their organisation, might reasonably be expected to be a more dynamic force than a vast number quite apathetic, even antipathetic. In any event, let us have some consistency. If we are to have a referendum on the gaming, question, which is, after all, of only limited public interest, then let us have one on the conscription question, which affects nearly all of us intimately. Arid, if certain Labour groups have their way and get the referendum restricted to those liable to be conscripted, let them go the whole hog and insist upon a poll of all conscripted unionists on the question of whether or not compulsion should be retained or abolished.