CHEEKY REPLIES

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2676, 24 January 1916, Page 8

CHEEKY REPLIES

SOME OF THE AUSTRALIAN 7 AVAR CENSUS CARDS. 'l'he war census cards sent out by tho Prime Minister to the men of Australia between tho ayes of IS and. 45 are now being received and dealt with by the various local committees formed for that purpose. _ Although in very few cases the 'replies have yet been classified, it is quite apparent that the majority of those to whom tho appeal was directed have refused to answer the call. The cards that have already been classified indicate various reasons for refusing to enlist. The principal uno is apparently an objection to the freedom and privileges granted to Germans in our midst. "Intern the Germans," read one reply received at Paddington, "and wo will all enlist." Another strong objection concerned compulsion, many men stating their unwillingness to enlist until all the eligible meii were compelled to do their duty. Shortly stated, the excuses may be classified as follows:-— . 1. When all Germans and alien enomies are interned. . 2. When conscription comes. 3. When all single men go. 4. Inability to obtain parents' consent. 5. Personal obligationo. 6. Conscientious objections. As was only to be expected a numner of the replies were evasive, and in some cases impertinent. Others were quite candid in stating their reasons for refusing to go. One man's reply was, "I am a Socialist, and I've got cold feet. I will not go to the war at any cost-.-While many of the committees have got tho scheme advanced to the stage where they can proceed witß the personal interviewing, there are districts where committees have not' yet been appointed, and no steps have been taken to deal with the cards.