COMPULSORY MILITARY SERVICE

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2784, 31 May 1916, Page 6

COMPULSORY MILITARY SERVICE

THE FARMERS' VIEWPOINT. At tile conference of the Farmers' Union at Levin yesterday the executive moved: "That if the compulsory service is considered necessary by tho Government, this conference of farmers loyally supports tho same." In speaking to the motion, Mr. Matheson eaid he would be sorry if a Bill came in to make fit men go to the front unless something were done, to make those not eligible for active service take their places as workers. He felt it was very difficult for himself—a man not fit for active service—to press into the service those men who wore fit. As an addition to. the motion, lie would move: —"That this conference hopes it will be made necessary that when any man becomes liablo to be called upon by the Governmept to undertake active service all men will bo called upon (from tho ranks of thoso less suitable -for active service) to take tho soldier's' places during the continuance of the war." Mr. Perry, mover of the motion, withdrew it in favour of the amendment. Mr. Balsillie suggested that the resolution be telegraphed to Parliament, which was now sitting to consider tho Bill, and this was adopted. Sir James Wilson, Dominion president, wrote the conference as follows:—"Under compulsory service doubtless there will bo many cases whero men who have farms will be forced to leave them. Some will be able to afford to put another in charge; but there' may be others who cannot afford to do so. My fec:ing is (it comes from the suggestion of a friend) that an organised effort should be made so .that someone in the neighbourhood should bo told off (of course ono who is over tho military age) >by some central body connected witli our union, who could undertake tho oversight of the farm during tho timo that the owner is fighting for us who may bo left behind. If each of the provincial executives would take the matter up, tho whole Dominion oould bo organised for the purpose." After speakers had referred in approval to the letter, it was referred to the executive for consideration.