Great Britain

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 29, 1 September 1916, Page 5

Great Britain

K£ \v ZEALAND RECRUITING SYSTEM. Press Association -Copyright. Australiau ami N.Z. Cable Association. London, August 30. 'l'lie Press 15uroan cireulatcs the New ZeaLm! Government's contradiction of the statement published in London that the voluntary system had failed in New Zealand necessitating compulsion. The New Zealand Government points out that the new Hill is a precautionary measure in order to maintain Imperial obligations, and that the powers contained in the Act have not yet been used. The Government adds that it has always avoided comparing New Zealand’s efforts with other Dominions, hut there was no reason to I ear any comparison concorning the numbers despatched by New Zealand under voluntaryism. Sir Thomas Mackenzie, in a letter to Tlie Times, protests against the statement in a 'rimes’ leader on the 25th, concerning New Zealand compulsion. | The Times in its comments states: | "We need hardly say it was not intended to reflect on New Zealand, which has followed the British example of adopting a measure generally regarded as proof of the utmost national devotion. Nevertheless the statement was accurate in that when New Zealand adopted a compulsion Bill, volunteers for drafts had fallen short, and it was hoped that the mere passing of a Compulsion Act would bring the voluntary drafts up to strength. The Times congratulates New Zealand on the accuracy of the Ministers percept ion and the people’s patriotism in accepting the remedy. HELP FOR OLD ACE PENSIONERS. I London, August 30. Official: With a view to relieving the distress of old age pensioners the Government is making a grant to meet the cost of allowances, not exceeding and additional 2s 6d weekly, I to' those suffering special hardships arising out of the war.

MILITARY RESISTER PUNISHED. London, August 30. Clifford Alien, former],? chairman of the Non-Conscription Fellowship, has 'been sentenced to a year’s hard labor-for disobedience of military ordc.rs. KITCHENER MEMORIAL AT THE ORKNEYS. Press Association—Copyright, Renter’s Telegrams (Received noon.) London, Angus! 31. It has hcen decided to erect a monument to Lord Kitchener at Marwick Head, near where the Hampshire sunk.