WHERE ARE THE MEN?

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 170, 8 April 1918, Page 4

WHERE ARE THE MEN?

AUSTRALIAN FIGURES. Referring to the statement made by Mr. Con. Wallace,'MP. for Darlington, lately, that Australia bad contributed in all about 500,000 ■ men' to the war, Mr. Joseph Cook, Minister for tlio Navy, said he thought it was greatly to be deplored that responsible politicians should so misrepresent the actual figures of our oversea, army. "It is quite incorrect to say that about half a million me/i have been raised in all," said Mr. Cook. "The statement has no justification whatever. A little over 300,000 have been raised, and it can only damage theiecruiting efforts of the Government just Bow to make these extravagant statements, which, if correct, clearly indicate that there is no dearth of men. The difference between the figures Mr Wallace states and the actual figures themselves would enable the bulk of the men at the front to como home on long leave, as they are quite entitled to do. At present they are prevented beoause there are no others to fill their places. "Let Mr. Wallace make his claini good," added Mr. Cook/ "Let him join tlie Government in making the present mimbors into half a million. He will be rendering a great service to the country, which is the most urgent ard nlaniant of all our requirements just now. He has made this statement; others make these statements. I simply suggest that they should make them good, and I will be glad to help them m doing so."