UMBRELLA POLICY.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 5, Issue 233, 8 December 1916, Page 2 (Supplement)

UMBRELLA POLICY.

SOLDIER M.P.S PI-AX FOR OBTAINING 2,000,000 MORE MO. I,rut.-Colonel J. Norton Griffith-. D.5.0., M.P. for Wednesbury. who has had some considerable experience in tlie raising ol men since the outbroax of the war, m a:i interview on ■'com'.iiiL r "in" yesterday, said: "If tlf countrv feels that we should take all between the ages of 41-4o lot them say tn-and the Government will soon kiioiv where tliev are in this matter.

••I would strongly urge that tin Cabinet should lie pressed at once to stop all badging of men. up to 2."> from n gi\en date, for example, to ocmmeiuv December 1 ? and the withdrawal of badges to be concluded by the end of the year. A gradual process whic'i should not in any way interfere with cur munitions output. '• llv these means all fit men up to '2"> would automatically become available, and would put the 'umbrella' policy beyond possibility. '■ I have iKvn constantly approached by ex-Service men, who are just over the age limit. It would be interesting to hear.from those between the ages of 41-4-1 who are keen on at once joining a special battalion or brigade for the service overseas.

'•lf the Hriti-h Empire a- a whole today were to give their young manhood up to the age of 2-"> it is safe to say i* would have at least a further two millions ot' men of the finest mater'al in the world."