NATIONAL SERVICE

Hokitika Guardian, 8 February 1917, Page 1

NATIONAL SERVICE

Statement Dy Sflr uhambsrlain. (Australian & N.Z. Gt.ble Aoboc.a ijn and He titer), LONDON, Feb. 6. Mr Lloyd George addressed a public mooting at Westminister to inaugurate Mr Novill Chamberlain’s National Service Scheme. Many Commoners, London Mayors and prominent citizens were present, including representatives of the leading employers and trade unions. - The Hon A. Henderson, in presiding said we needed to make a swift answer to Germany’s latest ChallengeMilitary exigencies and our national honour, rendered it imperative that drafts of troops for abroad should be supplied with unfailing regularity. Mr Chamberlain said the Army must supply drafts of young, physically fit, men who alone could stand tho terrific strain of modern trench warfare. , His problem was to find substitutes who would prevent the essential industries of the country from languishing. lie had arranged a scheme with the bishops whereby the work of tlie clergy might be utilised in other work. Doctors must be mobilised and distributed through the civil population. Men already engaged in work ot National importance were asked to enrol as they might bo wanted for similar work in other parts of the country. Ho proposed to utilise local authorities for employment in exchanges for the enrolment, controlling and distribution of labour. Minimum wage of 25s weekly would be established, including agriculture. The question was where could labour be- found. Ho could not suddenly destroy non essential trades, as such destruction, would* interef ere with their credit. The least essential trades must fall first. Germany means to starve, us out before she herself is starved. Our National Service Scheme would deal the enemy a blow straight between tho eyes and bring liim to his senses.