ARMY CONSCRIPTION

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20127, 22 December 1939, Page 3

ARMY CONSCRIPTION

ONLY FAIR METHOD FARMERS’ UNION VIEW OTAGO RESOLUTION (Pur Press Association.) DUNEDIN, this day. Whole-hearted support for the introduction of conscription in New Zealand was forthcoming at a meeting of the Otago provincial council of the Farmers’ Union yesterday, while it also passed a resolution offering to co-operate with the Government in its effort to complete the Second and Third Echelons of the New Zealand force for overseas. Members spoke , strongly in advocating the immediate introduction of conscription as the only fair and democratic method of dealing with the situation.

The Hon. F. Waite, M.L.C., who moved a motion on the subject, expressed the opinion that the “only way to beat the Hun was to hammer him physically.”

Mr. A. >C. Cameron voiced his concern at the type of men who were enlisting. He deplored the fact - that many of them were in responsible positions while the labouring classes were conspicuous by their absence. Other members considered that the Government would realise that the voluntary system was no good only when its failure became apparent.

The resolution which the council passed read as follows: “That while recognising that universal military service is the only fair and democratic method of raising men for overseas, the Farmers’ Union will willingly co-operate in the present effort to complete recruiting for the Second and Third Echelons of the New Zealand Division.”