UNITY CAMPAIGN.

Taranaki Daily News, 11 December 1915, Page 8

UNITY CAMPAIGN.

CONSOLIDATING .THE NATION. ORGANISATION OP CAPITAL AND MAN-POWER. Special to Daily New*. Masterton, December 9. A representative meeting of citizens, presided over by the Mayor, passed a resolution endorsing tie national uiity platform, and wishing Mr. Babiason, tse organiser, God-speed. In responding, Mr. Rokinson said: My object in going tliroujk New Zealand is to inculcate "umity ®f all classes in the face of the enemy." This must be a vital active principle before the Empire can put forth its strength. I have finally framed the fallowing resolution to carry with me: "That New Zealand should set an example of unity to the Empire by organising to the full her capital and man-power for the war, and requests that Parliament be convened for that purpose, and undertakes absolutely to support the National Government in whatever steps it decides to take towards victory."

I am asked: "Why convene Parliament?" I say that without a united nation there can be no true National Government; that the people must first tell their desire—unity to their representatives in Parliament, who should then meet and convey the news to the National Government. Members of Parliament should stand out of this movement; this is purely a people's movement.

The immediate urgency for New Zealand is the 11th Reinforcements. On Saturday there was an impending cloud of black dishoner. To-day it is not so heavy; but we must have an absolutely clear sky. We have aent to Gallipoii cigarettes and puddings. We must add to that Christmas box the news that the 11th Reinforcements are found. I rely solely on the developing spirit of patriotism. I will ask no man to volunteer.

Mr. Alperg is right: The question rests with every man's own conscience. But to anyone thinking of enlisting, I say, "Do not wait; your King and country need you. indeed this very day. Trust us who are here. Your pensions will be all right. Upon our honor we will see to that." I respectfully suggest to the National Government that it can completely allay the nation's unrest in the matter, of pensions in a single moment. Let it promise to consult Mr. Skerrett and abide by his advice. To every patriotic society also I say: "You are wrong to reject Mr. Skerrett's scheme. There is to-day a danger of these funds being reduced to a local and municipal level. This would lead to grave dishonor."

To the gentlemen who are forming hostile-toned deputations to the National Government I say: "Cut it out! Do not divide the country. Offer advice; but do it privately and in a sp!ir» of confidence." To the National Government itself, and T venture greatly to say: "So far as T can see you have done well." To the .14.000 who have declined to serve the State in cither civil or military capacity, T say, reconsider it. Go to the Post Office and get a fresh form, or failing forms, write and do it at once Tlio those who have disregarded the National Register. I say, reconsider it. Those who do not reconsider must be ignoren. Heyom» the immediate urgency of the 11th Reinforcements, I believe we can beco.me a united and resolute people, with a spirit as high as Mount Cook and enveloped in a mantle of patriotism as bright as its eternal snows. .My idea is to speak first in considerable country towns, where Capital and Labor know each other; only finally in cities, where they do not. But let no place wait. lam out to organise unity platforms, and to do it quickly. I wa'nt to meet class representatives wherever I arrive and let them speak. I ask the Mayorß to assist by approaching those and arranging. I will be glad to meet any such at the stations on my way through from place to place. This manifesto expresses all I myself ifeed say. I cannot touch the South Tsland, except that I hope to finish with a talk to the social revolution men at Point Elizabeth. But I know the south. I have no time to explain and communicate, but I know the men, and with confidence I call upon them now fot Canterbury, H, A, Knight; for Otago, Dr. Milner; for Southland, W. D. Hunt; for Westland, George Perry. To each and all of the men I have named I say: "Our country's need is my excuse. You will, I know, respond, and New Zealand will indeed send to the dear lads who are hanging to our consecrated ground at Gallipoii glad tidings of great joy. Gentlemen, the assault lias sounded! Let us to our posts."