NEW ZEALAND AND COMPULSION

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2865, 1 September 1916, Page 5

NEW ZEALAND AND COMPULSION

THE "TIMES" LEADER.. ("The Times.") (Rec. August 81, 6.45 p.m.) , London, August 31. Sir Thomas Mackenzie (Now Zealand High Commissioner), in a letter, protests against the in tho "Times" leader of August 2o coiiccmin<* New Zealand and compulsory enlistment. The "Times" comments: "We need hardly say that it was not intended to reflect on New Zealand, which followed the British example by adopting a measure which is generally regarded as proof of tho utmost na-1 tional devotion. Nevertheless, our, statement is accurato that when Now ' Zealand adopted compulsion the volun- j teers for the Reinforcement drafts had ] fallen short. It was hoped that tho mere passing of the Compulsion Act: would bring the voluntary drafts up to strength." The "Times" congratulates New Zealand »pon the accuracy of the Ministers' perception and the people's patriotism in accepting the remedy. ~ , , [Tho London "Times" ■ leader referred to above, states: "Whether Australia will resort to conscription only Australians can declare. British advice would bo impertinent, and is not required. Australia has grandly established her right to settle the question herself. New Zealand's case dees not apply to Australia, because voluntaryism has not sufficed to fill up the promised Now Zealand contingents. Australia throughout lias had as many volunteers as she has been al'le to equip oven with such help ?s_ tho Brit-1 ish War Office was able to p,ive." The foregoing statement h.is denied' by the Hon. James Allen (New Zealand Defence Minister).]