WANT OF MEN.

Hokitika Guardian, 7 April 1917, Page 1

WANT OF MEN.

Half Million Mere. (Australian & N.Z. Cable Asfc'oeia’.ion and ilenttr), LONDON, April o. Sir Win. 'Robertson addressing a conference including trade unionists regarding the “trade card” scheme admitted that the Wav Office makes mistakes like anyone else, but the country at the outbreak of war lacked a National war organisation, but it way no use crying over spilt milk or blaming individuals, as the whole nation was blameworthy. There were also mistakes in the military operation, hut they were marvellously few considcrng the necessity to improvise armies. We must treat disgruntled criticism with contempt and put our shoulder to the wheel ■ Germany had a long start of us, and it was was difficult to catch up. But Germany is now retreating from the Somme, and this* is neither to fool us nor because she is defeated, and the fact is she dare not stand up for further punishment in her old positions. No one retires in war voluntarily. Germany is not yet beaten, but sho is retiring in order to become stronger. Germany is now numerically stronger, and hay oven more divisions in .the' field than, in 191(1. A million more soldiers are required to enable us to end this overiding of international and human laws in Poland, Belgium and elsewhere. Also by compulsory civilians’ service wo need men to meet this desperate effort. It is impossible to put a limit to the armies requirements, and the men needed for our‘immediate needs are a half million before July, otherwise undoubtedly the war will be prolonged. He tributed the Empire’s achievement and sacrifices hitherto, bnt he appealed to everybody to put forth further efforts, and to make even a greater sacrifice before it is too late, in order, with God’s help, to secure that freedom for which we are compelled to fight.