DOMINION'S REINFORCEMENTS.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 5, Issue 151, 29 February 1916, Page 3

DOMINION'S REINFORCEMENTS.

Will Conscription be Enforced ? Speaking on Satuiday on the occasion of the opening of Pukekche's new showground, the Prime Minister, the Right Hon. W. F. Massey, referred to the war and tbe recruiting problem. The Parliament of New Zealand, he said, had entered into an agreement with the Imperial Parliament to send to the war a certain cumber oi eoldiers, 50,01'0 of whom had already taken up arms. It was impossible to say bow many more would have to go. The voluntary system had so tar proved sufficient, but whether it would do for t h e future remained to be seen. It was to be given a trial, and if it failed some form of compulsion would have to be adopted. It would be humiliating to men to be forced into tbe ranks, and would not do them ciedit; but it was creditable for a man to come forward prepared to fight for his King and country. The honour of Britain was concerned in trying to punish the Germans tor the crimes they had committed; they would have to be prevented from disturbing the peace of the world for many years to come. It was a fight for the very existence of the British Empire. All honour, he said, to those men who had given their lives tor them, particularly those who laid down their lives at the outbreak of hostilities. Their courage and patriotism would never be forgotten eo long as the Southen Cross l.oked down on New Zealand. If 50,0U0 more men were wanted they would go. Mr Massey concluded by saying that there were many who could go, and the graves in the lone gullies and on ihe hill aides of Galliooli should appeal to their honour and manhood. "Let us do our duty to the full," said the Prime Minister, "and leave the rest to God."