RECRUITING SCHEME

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2703, 24 February 1916, Page 7

RECRUITING SCHEME

LOCAL BODIES' ATTITUDE

MOSTLY FAVORABLE

A considerable number of replies have now been received by the Prime Minister to the circular letter sent to local bodies from tho Recruiting Board. Most of the replies aro satisfactory.

The Prime Minister (the Right Hon. W. F. Massey) said yesterday that up to tho present 6S replies had been received from local bodies,- stating very cordially that they would do everything possible to co-operate with the board. These replies in some cases are from local bodies that arc the centre ol groups of other local bodies. For instance, the Mayor ,of a city like 'Wellington or of Te Kuiti might be speaking for surrounding smaller bodie-s which arc working with them. So that these 08 roplies represent at least 90, and possibly more, local bodies. Fivo have refused assistance; ten are willing to help, but think that, compulsion should be instituted by legislation. The latter, of course, are iri addition to the 68 replies. "I think this very satisfactory," commented the Prime Minister. "The 68 replies include some from very large bodies. One can get from these figures also a very fair idea- of tho feeling 111 the Dominion.

"It is apparent from messages that come to hand that some of the local bodies which have been against giving their assistnaco have since thought the matter over, and decided to throw in tlieir Jot with the board. It should also be said that there are other replies which have not yet come to hand, owing to the local" bodies not having met."

EASTBOURNE WILL HELP. At the last meeting of the Eastbourne Borough Council, in connection with the question of recruiting, it was unanimously resolved on the motion of the Mayor: "That this council cheerfully agrees to co-operate to the best of its ability with the Rccniiting Board, and also with the Central .Recruiting Committee, but considers, nevertheless, that compulsory sorvico is the proper solution, and urges the Government to tajce steps to bring in legislation providing for .compulsory military service by all eligible males, married or single, between the ages of 19 and 45. 11 MASTER,TON "WILL HELP. The Mastorton Borough Council on Tuesday evening discussed the circular received from the Recruiting Board. The Mayor spoke in favour of giving tlie scheme a trial, and said he was prepared to call a public meeting and appoint committees as soon as the neeessarvpapers wero to hand. Personally, 'however, he considered that compulsory service should be introduced. Councillor Temple spoko strongly in favour of national servico, which, he sai'.T, must come sooner or later. Eventually it was decided to inform the Government that the council would agreo to the request of the Recruiting Board. GORE WILL ASSIST TO THE UTMOST. By Telegraph—Press Association. Core, February 23. At a public meeting to discuss the Recruiting. Board's scheme it was decidcd to assist the schcmo to the utmost. Tho members of the Borough Council, Citizens' Defence Committee, and Recruiting Committee have amalgamated to further the scheme.