RECRUITING CAMPAIGN.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 March 1916, Page 5

RECRUITING CAMPAIGN.

SIR JOSEPH WARD AT DUNEUHv By Telegraph.—Press Association. Dunedin, T.ast Night Long before eight o'clock, the adveft tised time of the meeting, His Majesty's Theatre was crowded, the occasion being a recrutfng speech by Sir' Joseph Ward. Eve* available space in tne theatre was crowded,including the stage and the wings, close on three thousand people being present, and hundreds of persons were unable to gain adtniifßioA. The Mayor (Mr. J. J. Clark)- presided, and among those who had seats on the stage were the local members of Parliament and members of the recruiting committee. The Regimental Band Wf3 in attendance, and pla.ved martial airs. The chairman, in his introductory remarks, said that Sir Joseph was not, only a brilliant New Zealand statesman, ho was one of their, gredt Imperial leaders, and when the dominions took their place in all the councils Empire Sir Joseph Ward Woitld probably be one of those who would be called on to a great united Imperial Council. (Applause.) Sir Joseph Ward, who was received with prolonged cheers and applause, delivered a stirring address, and made an appeal to the physically fit who had no home ties or responsibilities to oome ■forward and enlist. Why did they he»r the persistent 'cry. for conscription T It was because there were families with stalwart and physically fit sons who had not sent one man to fight, while theii neighbors had sent, in some instances, every male member who could shoulder a rifle. The voluntary system waß on its last trial in New Zealand. Was it to be said after the war that our young • men had to be driven to the front at tho point of the bayonet t "I do not believe in conscription," he added. "I believe it would be adopting that system of Prussian militarism that has done so much to make Germany a nation of serfs, controlled by the War Lords." Sir Joseph Ward made a strong appeal to tho men of the country, to come , forward voluntarily. We had done magnificently up to the present and continue to do so. Canada, Soyth Africa and Australia had not gone in for con< scription, and he wanted to see all the, men needed enrolled under the present system; but if we could not find 2500 men per month —that was the number required for replacements—it would bo tlio duty of Parliament to give power to the Government to have conscription established. (Applause.) When Sir Joseph Ward concluded his speech he received prolonged applauie, and a cordial vote of thanks was |o«_ corded the Minister. ,