NO DIFFERENTIATION

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2918, 2 November 1916, Page 6

NO DIFFERENTIATION

CONSCRIPTS AND VOLUNTEERS A PLAIN STATEMENT i Inquiries which have been reaching the Defence authorities suggest tho continued existence of a belief in some quarters that tiio compulsorily enlisted ■ man is going to be on a different footing from the volunteer in tho training camps. There appears to bo an idea abroacf that special disciplinary measures will be devised for conscripts, and that somo stigma will bo attached officially to these men. Tho truth is that the oompulsory recruit will stand oil exactly tho samo footing as tho volunteer when _he gets into camp. No special disciplinary measures will bo required, since tho powers already at the disposal of tho Defence authorities aro ample for all contingencies. The -man who is enlisted compulsorily, will bo in the same position as tho man who lias taken tho oath of allegianco as a volunteer. He will bo a sodier of the King, and must obey the lawful orders that are given liim or else become liable to the pains and penalties prescribed in the Army Act. New Zealand's volunteer soldiers have not been guiltess of ' breaches of discipline, and they have not escaped punishment. The conscript will find himself shoulder to shoulder ivith tho volunteer, and if any differentiation arises it will be of his making. The Defence authorities, it may be noted, aro no parties to the suggestion, implied in many utterances on the 6ub-. ject, that every compulsorily enlisted man will be an unwilling recruit or a "shirker." "No idea could bo further froin the truth," said an officer in mentioning this matter. "Wo are well • nwaro that hundreds of men will come .into camp with.glad hearts when they : are summoned. They have responsibilities which they do not feel able to Jay down until their turn comes. But fchoy iiave put themselves on the Register, provided tho information required for their proper classification in the (Reserve, and they will ,do no. dodging ' when, they aro called up. There are other men who are conscientiously convinced that conscription is the right thing, and that thev ought not" to delay its operation by volunteering. A married man, for example, may feel that, vivhile he wishes to servo, ho ought not to leave his family while? there are . single men still available." .

Hie arrangements made bv Defence Headquarters will ! ensure that every consoript shall have reasonable notice before lie is taken into camp, in order that he may be able to adjust his personal affairs. The men affected by Clause 35 have ten .days after receipt, of tho notices in which to lodgo appeals. Failing appeals, they become soldiers on tho eleventh day, but in that Case they will not be taken into camp nt once. The men selected by ballot will probably have at least three weeks in which to make their preparations, : after their names have been drawn and the necessary notices sent to them.