NEW ZEALAND PLEDGE.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 7, Issue 338, 16 November 1915, Page 3

NEW ZEALAND PLEDGE.

MORE MEN WANTED. The Hon. Gilbert Carson, at Wanganol, said that men, -who were men, were wanted for the front. There was no doubt that they would come forward New Zealand was pledged to send 31.000 fresh men next year. Between the ages of 20 and 45 the Dominion had 130,000 single men, and 20,000 married men, between those ages who did not have children. Between the same ages the married men with one child totalled 22,000. Between the ages of 20 and 45, up to the men with two children, New Zealand had two hundred thousand men. Proceeding, the speaker said the question was: “Would the men willingly come forward, or would they have to be sent?” Personally, he was an incurable optimist. (Applause). There was no doubt about the result of the war. even if they had to spend the last shilling and send the last man. (Renewed applause). The nation was not decadent. Although men had responded from every walk of life, more men were wanted, and quickly. It was no use dallying. A few months ago he was prepared to apologise for some of the men, but not now. For honour’s sake they should respond. He did not believe there was a coward class, and if there was a coward there was no place for him above the ground. There was another class of men whose attitude was; I don't care —it is nothing to me.” Where would that man be if his country said: “I have no use for you.” Every man should realise what he owed to his country. Concluding, the speaker urged the men to step out like men, and answer the call of their God, their King, and their country. (Loud applause.)