Labouring Classes Conspicuous by Absence

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 302, 22 December 1939, Page 7

Labouring Classes Conspicuous by Absence

FARMERS DEMAND CONSCRIPTION Per Press Association. DUNEDIN, Dec. 22. Wholehearted support for the introduction of conscription in New Zealand was forthcoming at a meeting of the Otago Provincial Council of the Farmers’ Union to-day. While it passed a resolution offering to cooperate with the Government in its effort to complete the second and third echelons of the New Zealand division for overseas, members spoke strongly in advocating the immediate introduction of conscription as the only fair and democratic method of dealing with the situation. Hon. F. Waite, M.L.C., who moved the motion on the subject, expressed the opinion that “the only way to beat the Hun was to hammer him physically. ’ ’ Mr. E. A. C. Cameron voiced his concern at the type of men who were enlisting. He deplored the fact that many of them were in responsible positions, while the labouring classes were conspicuous by their absence. Other members considered that the Government would realise that the voluntary system was no good only when its failure became apparent. The resolution which the Council passed read as follows: “That while recognising that universal military service is the only fair and democratic method of raising men for overseas the Farmers’ Union will willingly co-operate in the present effort to complete recruiting for the second and third echelons of the New Zealand Division.”