A FALSE STEP

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 178, 17 April 1918, Page 4

A FALSE STEP

The extent to which New Zealand is to lie called on to increase its reinforcement drafts is much less than was anticipated. The Defence Minister's statement in the House of Representatives on Monday went to show that only some 1700 extra men will be sent away during the next three months, and as to what may happen after that time appears quite uncertain. The limitation imposed is due to the shipping shortage. We can send men only to the extent of the shipping available to transport • them overseas. With one-half of B Glass of the Sec-' one! Division called up, the Minister estimates that there should be sufficient men available to supply all our reinforcements to the end of September. If a proper combing out of sine die adjournment cases in earlier classes is made, it,-will , probably be found that at the rale of reinforcement proposed requirements can be met on this basis even beyond the date mentioned. Tins means that there will not bo that urgency in the calling up of future drafts that was at first expected. In order that the full three months' notice, may: he- given to all Second Division men in which to adjust their affairs, the Defence Department may deem it advisable to proceed in advance with balloting, but unless._ there is a marked improvement- in the shipping situation it would seem that dratts balloted in the immediate future will not be called on to enter camp for a considerable time ahead. It is most regrettable that the Defence Minister should have allowed himself to bo persuaded to call for volunteers from C and D Classes of the' Second Division. There is not the slightest necessity for this course, and it is liable to create a false impression, and may possibly give rise to strong resentment. With universal Compulsory Service in operation all men between given ages are placed on an equal footing. They recognise their obligation .to, serve their country, they are called ,up under a system of ballot which ensures absolute fairness and 'impartiality, and 'thoso who are so situated as to require exemption are able in due course to place their claims to consideration before the Military . Service Boards, which are enabled to deal with them on their merits and as the needs of the situation may determine. To perpetuate a system of voluntaryism alongside a system which already ensures that the services of every eligible man will be made available to the State when required is not only superfluous, but it disturbs the orderly process of enlistment in accordance with the accepted degree of eligibility laid down by tho Government, and furthermore places many men in a false position. Many loyal and patriotic men have family and other obligations which make it necessary for them to defer enlistment until they are called in the' ballot. They are quite as willing to serve their country as others more fortunately situated, and will do so readily enough when their turn comes. It is not to the advantage of the State to hurry such men into camp out of their turn, but under a system which permits of voluntary enlistment the men themselves may feel that they appear in an unworthy light unless they do volunteer. This is quite wrong. It is a form of moral compulsion which docs not make availably a solitary extra eligible man, while it places many in a false position and disturbs the order of enrolment which after careful consideration has been laid down as fairest to tho men themselves and best in the interests of tho country. Not one good purpose from the point of view of the State is now served by perpetuating the voluntary system, and it is liable to do much harm. We trust that the Minister of Defence will reconsider the matter, and revert to what we believe was his original opinion on the question.