THE GOVERNMENT'S DUTY

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2669, 14 January 1916, Page 7

THE GOVERNMENT'S DUTY

BARGAIN MUST BE FULFILLED. Reference to the task of raising meji for the .Reinforcements, and tho methods to bo adopted in discharging this task, was. made by tho Hon. J. Allen, speaking to a gathering of tramway men who wero bidding farewell to somo of their number who have enlisted. Sir. Allen said that the National Government had. decided to attempt at any rate to obtain tho necessary men under the voluntary principle. He was not going to aay whether that principle was a, sound cm or not. Personally, ho would have liked to see everything organised so that those who had' tho smallest ,t-ics and least burdens could be first asked to serve their country. AVe had decided on the voluntary system, and if everyone who _ could servo the country came forward it would not be necessary to convert it into a compulsory scheme. "After all, a democracy does not like compulsion if it can be avoided," added Mr. Allen, "but if the time comes when there is any sign of, our failing to fulfil our bargaiu with the Old Country and the men who have left us, then, believe me, there will be no hesitation on the part of the v National Government in carrying out our bargain to the full. (Applause.) I hope tho time will' not come when we will have to adopt any form of compulsion. Tho voluntary system is the one approved by Parliament and the people, and wo would rather that this system succeeded. It will succeed if all those men who win do so como .forward and (say: Put me down for January or February or March, as the case may be. Then when the oil comes to serve their King and flog'they will know that they have not failed in their duty." (Applause.) ' *