LOCAL BODIES AND RECRUITING.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 1514, 24 February 1916, Page 3

LOCAL BODIES AND RECRUITING.

ASSLSTING THE NEW SCHEME. So far a very satisfactory response has been made by the local bodies to the request of the Recruiting Board for their help in rendering as effective as possible the new scheme, says the Post. Yesterday the Prime Minister (the Right Hon. VV. F. Massey) said that up to the present 68 replies had been received from local bodies, stating very cordially that they would do everything possible,to co-operate with the board. These replies in some cases are from local bodies that are the centre of groups of other local bodies. For instance, the Mayor of a city like Wellington or ot Te Kuiti might be speaking for surrounding smaller bodies which are working with them. So that these 63 replies represent at least 90, and possibly more, local bodies.

Five have refused assistance ; ten are willing to help, but think that compulsion should be instituted by legislation. The latter, of course, are in addition to the 68 replies, “ I think this very satisfactory,” commented the Prime Minister yesterday. “ The 68 replies include some from very large bodies. One can get from these figures also a very fair idea ofi the feelings iu the Dominion.”

It is apparent from messages that come to hand that some of the local bodies which have been against giving their assistance have since thought the matter over, and decided to throw in their lot with the board. It should also be said that there are other replies which have not come to hand, owing to the local bodies not having met.