SIR JOHN SIMON STICKS TO HIS GUNS.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 8, Issue 67, 18 March 1916, Page 5

SIR JOHN SIMON STICKS TO HIS GUNS.

COMPULSION DECLARED A FAILURE. LONDON, March 17. In the House of Commons,. Sir Jo.hn Simon declared tliat it was urgent that the Government should state the size of the army at which it aimed in order to avoid damaging the nation's business and financial stability. It was now admitted that conscription had produced disappointing results. Lord Derby had grossly exaggerated the numbers who had not enlisted. Hifigures were ridiculous. There was never any statistical basis for the intoduction of conscription, which had proved neither business-like in opiration nor fruitful in results. Am chance of compulsion becoming popular had been destroyed by the ineptitudes of its advocates and administrators. The co-ordinator of all servicer and industries was necessary i J the country was to put forth its utmost strength. Married men had been given to understand that there were immense reservoirs of unmarrieds and slackers yet available. The Hon. W. H. Long declared that the people of Britain would read Sir John Simon's speech with dismay. It represented .t&3 view o£ a minority.