NATIONAL SERVICE

Hokitika Guardian, 4 January 1917, Page 3

NATIONAL SERVICE

Foreshadowed

Hon G. W. Russell, Bpeaking at Chriatchurob, said that New Zealand bad had its first experience of conscription but the time was oomiDg when the principle of compulsory service would have to be applied to the civilian as well aa the military portion of the population. (Hear, hear.) He wished them to consider that aspect. It was not right that the physically fit man Bhould be sent to the front, whilst the physioally unfit man escaped all risk and danger. The tima had come for all-round sacrifice, and the man who stayed in peace and comfort at home, on the farm or elsewhere, mnst recognise that sacrifices on his part were necessary, The time might some —and it might bn much nearer than was now thought probable—when the services of the women of New ZeaZealand would bo utilised in a similar fashion as was being done in the Old Country. He had no doubt that the women of New Zealaud would cheerfully respond to any calls made' upon them. They had already done magnificent work in such organisations as the Lady Liverpool and Red Cross Funds, and they would doubtless loyally answer any further demands in the country’s service.