MANHOOD OF THE COUNTRY

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2475, 31 May 1915, Page 8

MANHOOD OF THE COUNTRY

' STATEMENT BY MR. MASSEY. (By Tdeffraph.—Presr. Association.] Auckland, May 30. A statement on recruiting was made by the Prime Minister to-day. "Peoplo sometimes forget," he said, "that for the last few weeks very much larger numbers than usual have been required beeaase in addition to the usual reinforcements, we have been asked for nearly 3000 men to make up a special force offered and accepted a month ago. This meant a heavy stra ; n on the community, but I have not the slightest doubt we shall get the full number. Within tho last fortnight there has been a very decided improvement, and the men are Cfiniiig forward in a very satisfactory manner. There is no occasion for Excitement. The manhood of tho country is doing its duty well. We entered into engagements to send a specified numbei of men at definite dates as long as the war lasts. Men will be sent. More may be wanted to go into training, and if bo we will ask for them. I am confident the Dominion will not disappoint 113. Meantime I am proud to say that in proportion to population New Zealand leads the othe; Dominions in the assistance given to the Empire, and we intend to keep that position, however long the war may last. lam not speaking in a boastful spirit, but just to let tho people Xnow we are doing our duty. . In the meantime it' is the duty of every young man who is physically fit, and who can possibly get away to respond to the Empire's call and register with, the military authorities so that as more New Zealanders are wanted to go into camp- they will be forthcoming without any difficulty. The reputation of New Zealanders for courage and patriotism stands high, and will ba maintained."