CONSCRIPTION.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 7, Issue 348, 4 December 1915, Page 3

CONSCRIPTION.

LABOUE UNION’S PROTEST.

I • PRIME MINISTER’S REPLY. t \ \ , A few days ago the Point Elizabeth and Liverpool State Collcrics Employees’ Industrial Union of s Workers passed the following resolution:— ) the members of the Point ,t Elizabeth and Liverpool State Co> I tidies Employees’ Industrial Union ? °f Workers, strongly resent the util tcrances of certain members of the Ministry and the press, inasmuch as they are endeavouring to bring ~ on a feeling favourable to conscripl tion of the flesh and blood of the working class of New Zealand, while at the same time failing to '■ conscript the wealth and privateproperty of the rich. Furthermore, we arc determined to meet such a . calamity as conscription by indus- “/ trial revolution. A copy of this resolution was forwarded by the union to the Prime Minister (Right Hon. W. F. MasseyL Mr. Massey informed a reporter that lie had addressed the following reply to the secretary of the union:— i Bear Sir, —I have to acknowledge , the receipt of your letter of the 29th ultimo, forawrding copy of a resolution passed at a meeting of the Point Elizabeth State Collieries Union, the contents of which I have duly noted. I must, however, take exception to the wording and sentiments expressed in the resolution as . . passed by the union. I take pride in the fact that all classes in this country have responded loyallv and

patriotically to the Empire’s caii. and that those your resolution resolution refers to as the "working class” have enlisted in their thousands and are lighting for freedom and civilisation at Galliopli and other places in a wn\y which has compelled the admiration of the whole Empire. I am happy to say there are no class distinctions in the trenches, but that all sections are doing their duty there in the national 1 crisis through which we are passing. In saying this I do not admit that class distinctions exist in Now Zealand in the manner in which your resolution would imply. Ninety-five per cent, of the j people of New Zealand are workers in the best sense of tho word, and each and every one of them will be* glad to admit that such is the case. Let me say in conclusion that if tho last sentence of your resolution is intended to threaten tho Govora■mnt it will not have the slightest effect; and while expressing no opinion at present on the subject of conscription or compulsory service, tho Government will do exactly what it believes to be right ' from the National standpoint, and is prepared to take the consequences afterwards. In view of -he imv».rtanee of the muter I am handun? vonr communication and this letter

in transit