SHELL SUPPLIES FOR THE ARMY

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2477, 2 June 1915, Page 5

SHELL SUPPLIES FOR THE ARMY

RECENT RUMOURS INVESTIGATED

AGITATION LARGELY POLITICAL

(By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright.) London, May 31. t The "Morning Post's" correspondent in. North France, who made it his particular business to inquire into the shell supply for the Army, says that he was assured from a number of reliable sources , that the artillery was doing splendidly, and that, while high explosive shells are certainly required in overincreasing quantity, tlie situation,has been altogether exaggerated in some quarters.

To quote an expression from the front, the correspondent goes on to say:— "We 1 are dynamiting our way through the German defences muoh the same as the French ; blowing parapets to bits, and doing it rapidly and well. In certain instances we got into German trenches, and had the occupants trombling with fear. Their dug-outs and trenches were concreted and steolplated. Notwithstanding this they woro rendered absolutely untenable. "I find among the soldiers widespread indignation against the attacks on Lord Kitchener, and it is logically urged that if the matter is really meant patriotically, then serious representations in the right quarter would sufficiently hayo called attention to any grievance." From other sources it is stated that the alleged scandal of shortage of shells has been grossly exaggerated for political purposes. The crisis was Bolely the result of personal quarrels at the Adtoiraltyand the War Office.

CASE FOB NATIONAL

SERVICE

FURTHER APPEALS

London, May 31. "The Times" declares that evidence b accumulating on all sides proving that ohe country requires nn early declaration for national service, followed by instant action by the now Government. "This," says the paper, "is the only remedy for unfair methods of recruiting unci the deficiency in munitions. Labour disputes are depressing, and there is a sense of national impotence. This is a time ivhen every • man and woman is needed."—"Times"'and Sydney "Sun" Services. WHAT IS NATIONAL SERVICE? WORK FOR ALL FOR THE CAUSE. (Reo. June 1, 6.5 p.m.) London, May 81. "The Times's" military correspondent says_ that the new meaning of national service involves the whole of our ablebodied popu'ation, wlio must come ioiward and serve not only in the Navy and Army,- but in any capacity where their services are needed. "It is useless to possess an army of millions unless • our munition factories are fully manned. Our allies have placed the whole of their ab'e-bodied men 'in the field, and we cannot endure the idea that Britain is doing less. _ "A vast work of national organisation lies before the new Government, and depends upon the manner in which it is handled. It would be impracticable and unwise much longer to rely on voluntary service. It is -unfair that anyone shou'd be permitted to shirk their-share of the national burden. The country is in danger, and the people must be organised for war. The idea that only the existence of a system of national service will ensure victory has already created an expectation of compulsion. "England has been assailed by ships and aircraft, and may, possibly, yet be assailed by troops whose bases are in the enemy's territory. They must be attacked' at those bases. The whole of the nation must be brought to bear in defeat of our ohief enemy in the _ principal theatre. The country awaits the oall to throw itself into the contest enthusiastically." LORD DENMAN'S APPEAL. 'A DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM. (Rec. June 1, 6.5 p.m.) London, May 31. Lord Denman, ex-Governor-G«neral of Australia, in a_ letter to "The Times" says that having had experience in administering the government of a great Dominion at the time compulsory service came into operation, "I venture to refer to this national form of service, so urgently needed in England. In Australia its success is generally acknowledged, and surely if a Labour Government in Australia, where democracy lias farther advanced than in any other country, could in time of peace carry a . Ecliomo for compulsory service, our national Government at Home should be able to organise our manhood for the purpose of war. "It is objected in some quarters that this system favours certain classas. Experience of the system in Australia and New_ Zealand proves that no more democratic measure can be placed on the Statute-Book. We are told that the system would disorganise trade, but it Is precisely because trade must be organised for war purposes that compulsion is vitally necessary. "The institution _of national service would carry conviction to our allies and to our enemies that this . country is really in earnest about the prosecution of the war. The fact that the War Office is accepting men of forty, and reducing the height standard, is proof that the voluntary system has broken down." DRUNKENNESS IN CLYDE WORKSHOPS WHAT A "TIMES" CORRESPONDENT SAW. London, May 31. A special correspondent of "The Times," dealing with the munitions "Drinking i'r worst oh , £• ' ant ' an appreciable evil on the Tvne. In the Clyde workshops I saw a batch of men turn out. The foreman was too drunk to work, mid tne men brought in spirits. The unusualiv largo wages aro the principal cause of the evil "An advocate for the prohibition of spirits remarks' Many of the men are overworked, and subject to a continuous strain and the danger of a breakdown.' " JAPAN WILL HELP IF REQUIRED LOYAL TO THE SPIRIT OF THE ALLIANCE. Fremantle, June 1. The Japanese Training Squadron has arrived hero. It will visit Commonwealth ports. Admiral Ciiisaki is in command. He in ot opinion that Japaa is not required to send troops to Europe, but that if the necessity arose ?he should send men and munitions to carry out the spirit of her- alliance.