VOLUNTARY SYSTEM.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 143, 17 May 1940, Page 8

VOLUNTARY SYSTEM.

FARMERS’ DISAPPROVAL. “DETRIMENTAL TO COUNTRY. 1 ' Disagreement with the voluntary system of enlistment was expressed at the annual meeting' of the Southern Hawke’s Bay provincial district of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union, it being said that the system was uneconomical and detrimental to the country’s efforts to carry out to the full her duties to the Mother Country. Mr H. Stratford moved: —“That this meeting desires again to bring very forcibly before the Government and people of New Zealand the iact that, in this time of need for our men to serve the Empire, as the voluntary system is proving uneconomical and disorganising it is absolutely necessary that without further delay the Government be asked to bring in conscription as the fairest and most reputable way of helping the Mother Country. Also, this meeting makes the suggestion that all other important organisations in New Zealand be asked to pass a similar resolution. This meeting promises all support to our Government at this time, but we feel that the Government should take drastic action to get co-operation from every responsible individual in this country.’’ The motion was seconded by Mr L. S. Gooch, and after several members had spoken in its support, it was carried. Mr D. W. Gray moved:—“That the Government should introduce compulsory national service lor everyone, realising that the necessity for service for the Empire is so urgent that the people of this country should be prepared to voluntarily offer themselves for compulsory action, so that all sections should be given tlie work lor which they are most needed.” Seconding the motion, Mr J. R. Franklvn stressed the need for organising the Dominion from end to end in order to win the war. Mr Edgar Harding, who supported the resolution, said that everyone must realise the needs of the Mother Country at the presnet critical time and redouble their efforts to make good the supplies which recent developments in Scandinavia had cut off from Britain. Major McDonnell said lie did not favour the motion, as he failed to see how the words “compulsory” and “voluntarily” could he reconciled. The motion was eventually carried with the deletion of the' word “voluntarily.” A motion sponsored by Major McDonnell to ask the Government, that as other sections of the eommunity were seeking wage increases ranging from 8 to 10 per cent., the commandeer price for farmers’ produce be increased on an equal basis, was seconded pro forma, hv Mr S. Thompson. After a short debate, the motion was put to the meeting and lost on a show of hands.