A CALL TO THE BRITISH.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 3, Issue 251, 27 November 1914, Page 3 (Supplement)

A CALL TO THE BRITISH.

Bj MAJOR HENRY PAGE CROFT, M.P., in ''Nash's Magazine."

The fen- words which I venture to send to you in the midst of the turmoil of mobilisation, are written not with nny intention of attempting to route our country—that is not needed —hut rather to endeavour to show what in necessary in the hour of danger, and to point a nay by which many can help. First, let it be realised that this war, which has been ruthlessly forced upon us by a nation which lias torn up every treaty which stands in its path, and which has forced the British Fmipire to choose between fidelity and perfidy, and between honour and moral damnation, is, however just from our point of view a war involving our very existence. If our enemies were to triumph, Germany would be master of Em-ope, and tho mastery of Europe carries with i. the trading monopoly, and the overlordsbip of vast vacant spaces of the world. The British Isles, in fact, would only exist on sufferance. Defeat, however, to the British is unthinkable if we only realise in time the meaning of the European Armageddon, and the immediate necessity of doing now that which the farsighted patriots of England have implored us to do for years past. We must organise th o whole manhood of th« race m every self-governing part of the Empire, and especially must the Motherland lead the Empire at this moment. My suggestion, then, is this: (1) liverv young man who has recently passed through the Regular Reserves t " offer himself co the Regular Army and tailing that, to the Special Reserve or rerritonal force. (2) All recently discharged Territorial* to offer tor re-en-gagement in their old Territorial Battalion. (3) Reserve Battalions of lerritorials to be formed inevw-y county, to be recruited from all old soldier, Regular Territorials, or A oluntoers, under fifty years of age together with every lie young man who has hitheito not submitted himself to military train,n« Such battalions to b e officered by the pick of retired officers from the , Miliary forces, with adjutants drawn from ex-Regular officers who are not pScally tit for possible foreign *er"ondar this scheme a million men, in addition to the organised forces, couM scon be? in voluntary twining. Su,h trauimg could be limited to. tf» evenin.rs alter work hours, aid on *»»- lolidavs. By this means, in two months' time every existing unit could i w spared from the defence of the country which could be handed over to the care of the National Reserve battalions then formed. . Another question which may be asked is this: f 'I am unfit for service but cannot 1 help?" Yes. you can, and as follows. ' , Offer vourself to ihc farn ere at onco to help "secure the crops. Offw >ouisolves to the local Territorial Reserve* •is messengers, orderlies, cyclists, oi motor dis&; rider.. Offer your cars or carriages to bring in villagers nt « evening to drill with he men m the towns, where organisation could be formed, and so serve your country. The third question winch may be askKl: "How can I keep the daily life o mv countrymen free from anxiety, and them from hunger?" This also i, eus.lv answered. Do not draw god from me hanks, f* to hoard gold to-dav is a crime! It is wanted for real needs. Use paper money, which is just as usof„ to vou. Only use what bread von really want. Husband your grocer** and plant vegetables. Don t discharge any servant. If your horses are out ,o grass leave them there unless wanted Kr service, in which case get them fit. -Sua iibj lo'u ll«'p o.w pirn \v:up s:. ( op far more than you are. They are dying Don't grumble! Others are suffering If vou ar e calm, others will gain conin the field and drowning in the seas, land, for we will Rive her everythingfidenee. and conlidcnce means victory, even our lives.