THE HON. J. T. PAUL AND CONSCRIPTION.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 15750, 17 November 1916, Page 6

THE HON. J. T. PAUL AND CONSCRIPTION.

HESITATION FROM PATRIOTIC ADVISORY BOARD. (SPECIAL* TO "THE PRI3S.") WELLINGTON, November I<3. At a meeting of the Advisory Boari of the Patriotic Societies' Association,. the resignation of the chairman, ib* Hon. J. T. Paul, was roceivcd and ac cepted. In committoc. tie Board considered the following letter ■which had been forwarded by Mr Paul to the vicc-chafrv man (Mr L. O. H. Tripp):— "I understand that several members of .the Board disagree with my attitude with regard to conscription in Australia. I regret the diffcrcnco of opinion. Taking into consideration the fact that the powers of the Board are purely advisory, and that its success deponds in Jorge part on the harmony of its proceedings and the co-operation of affiliated societies, j feel I should plainly resignation of the office of cnairman in your hands. The interests of. our soldiers and their dependants mUlt have first consideration, and I feel I must do nothing whirli would in the slightest degree affect thoir interests.As in the past, every effort will be put forward by me to make the Board a , valuable institution for co-ordinating Win work of patriotic societies, and mv . fellow-members may continue to count; on my most cordial co-operation to that .. end. This is not the plnee to consider whether conscription is right or wrong. I fiivfi way to no man in mv desire to' the war wot !y the Allies, but I vigorously eontest the idea ozprcfified l'n some quarters that only the conscriptiouist is loyal and entitled to assunjf tho responsibility of controlling patri- . otic; funds. Our duty is to use our rt- ■ source.; to win tho war, and to recojniiw in tangible form the sacrifice made b; the m,>n who have served their country in the hour of need. Thanking W) fellow-members for their full co-opera-tion in the pa.=t, and honing that onr work will be as successful in future.— faithfully (signed), J. T. Paul." After a discussion in committee, the* foHowinc motion was carried:— "The_ Advisory Board (a> regrets that it considers it neceissarv to accent Mr Paiil'B resignation as chairman, and desires to place on the minutes its appreciation of the work dpnc by Mr Paul as chairman of the Board." The Board then proceeded with the o lection of a new chairman, and unanimous choice fell on Mr L. 0. H. Tripp.

Mr J. J. Don frail (Christchurch), as representing the' South Island, elccted vice-chairman.