WHISPERING CAMPAIGN.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 131, 3 May 1940, Page 10

WHISPERING CAMPAIGN.

UNDERCURRENT ALLEGED. EFFECT ON RECRUITING . NEW PLYMOUTH, May 1. Allegations that there was a whispering campaign being conducted in the country, which was evident in New Plymouth, were made by Mr S. G. Smith at a recruiting meeting in New Plymouth during the course of a discussion of the best means for stimulating recruiting in the district. “You can’t just put your finger on it.” said Mr . Smith, “but there is a whispering campaign going on and young men are being told they should not enlist or that they should not go just yet.” : Mr Smith continued bv saying that because of the remoteness of New Zealand from the scene of hostilities, people did not realise the seriousness of the wan Mr F. L. Frost, M.P.: It may not be so far away soon. AIR DEFENCES. Mr Smith said that from his conversations with persons who had close contact with conditions in Great Britain lie could say that the war was much more serious than many persons seemed to appreciate. He said there were almost daily raids by the enemy air force over tlie coasts of Scotland. Mr Frost: Then why doesn’t the 8.8. C. tell us the truth? Mr C. E. Bellringer: T think wo do get the truth. 1 don’t think they lie about these things. Mr Frost: The 8.8. C. has told us that our air defences are too good for the enemy, to penetrate. Mr Smith added that New Zealand required waking up to the danger that threatened it. He said tho whispering campaign was having a bad and a dangerous effect. The job just now was to obtain the men required for tho purpose of keeping out of the difficulties, with which the country was faced. When the discussion turned to the point of what was going to be done by way of gratuities or pensions for the men on their return, lie said that if we did not get the men. and if the country did not maintain its primary production, there would be no gratuities or pensions for anybody after the war.