RECRUITING SCHEME

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2705, 26 February 1916, Page 6

RECRUITING SCHEME

• —9 DEFENCE MINISTER'S PLEDGE. • By Telegraph—Press Association. Dunedin, February 25. ' The St. Kilda Council, which recently declined to take action under the new renruiting scheme, on the ground that voluntaryism Was worked threadbare and compulsion was necessary, reconsidered the matter last night, "when it was addressed by the -Minister of Defence. The meeting decided, after 'earning the now facts, to pledge itself to give every assistance to the scheme, especially as the Minister pledged himself, if tho scheme was unsuccessful, to retiro from office if compulsory service did not become law. It may be mentioned that six of the teu councillors

ire young married men, eligible for service, and they considered that canvassing of other eligibles was decidedly obnoxious. The Minister pointed, out that the principal duty of municipalities consisted of acts of organisation. ACTION IN PALMERSTON. . palmorston, February 25. "A meeting of Palmcrston citizens vonvoncd by the Mayor decided to assist the Government recruiting scheme. A committee was set 'up to enrol men for netivo service. It was also resolved - "That, in tho opinion of the meeting, the dependants ,of soldiers killed or disabled should be entitled to pensions as by right." AUCKLAND ASSISTANCE. Auckland, February 25. The City Council resolved, without discussion, to extend all practical assistance to maintaining the supply of recruits, and appointed a committee to give effect to tho resolution, >Incli was carried unanimously. "IF THE VOLUNTARY SCHEME FAILS Christchurch, February 25. 'At a public-meeting .held to-night a resolution was passed supporting the Government recruiting scheme. The Hon. J. Allen. Minister of Defence, stated that if that scheme failed beforo June the only alternative was to adoptcompulsion, ACTIVITY- IN TIMARU. Timaru, February 25. The Timaru Borough Council held its first meeting to-day as a recruiting committee when it appointed representative citizens to act with the council in arranging a complete canvass of the borough. Various points in connection with tho scheme were explained !>y tho Minister of Defence, who pt.ssed through Timaru yesterday. Ho promised, in reply to a request, that if tbey desired he would send tho .committee a returned soldier to act as a recruiting sergeant. Rowland, Jeweller, 90 Manners Street, is the firm who are sivin# 15 per cent. (3s. in the J!) to soldiers or their friends when purohasing anything for them. Badges, wristlet wntches, engagement rings, etc. See Rowland about it.—Advt.