The Manawatu Herald. Thursday, May 27, 1915. MORE RECRUITS WANTED.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 1403, 27 May 1915, Page 2

The Manawatu Herald. Thursday, May 27, 1915. MORE RECRUITS WANTED.

Thk appeal by the Minister for Defence shows that throughout the Dominion the number of recruits is disappointing. The Auckland Herald says those who are well informed know that every competent man who can be sent to the front by this Dominion is needed, and that the Mother Country is cheered and encouraged in her stupendous task by visible proof of the whole-hearted loyalty of her daughter States. Many do not understand this, and are confirmed in their indifference by the fallacious idea that there is no urgent demand for their services as patriotic soldiers. It is of comparatively little use to say that “if the war continues” New Zealand will have in the field at some time in the future so many thousand men. A goal is always desirable, and the goal in this case should be worthy of our most strenuous efforts. Our contemporary urges that the Dominion should raise her recruiting total to fifty thousand men. On such a national question there can be no party, and the cooperation of the Opposition leader would doubtless be cordially given upon the invitation of the Prime Minister. Now is the time for New Zealand to display its unfaltering determination. British statesmen claim to English audiences that the gravity of the situation is not popularly appreciated, and It is our duty, as it is our opportunity, to show that in New Zealand we understand and appreciate what is at stake. That Italy has joined the Allies, and has pledged herself to make no separate peace, is the more reason why we should increase the Imperial strength and thus do our best to shorten this deadly and terrible war.