THE CALL FOR MEN.

Taranaki Daily News, 5 April 1916, Page 5

THE CALL FOR MEN.

SIR JOSEPH WARD IN THE SOUTH. By Telegraph.—Press Association, invercargill, April 3. ■ Sir Joseph Ward continued his recruiting campaign on Saturday, addressing a crowded meeting in the Horticul- ! tural Hall at Mataura. So great was the crowd that dozen a were unable to get seats and stood throughout the evening. Many others were unable to gain admission and stood outside the hall, where they were able to hear, as the evening was fine and -all the doors and windows were open. The Mayor (Mr, F. H .Brown) presided, and on the platform were Mr. G. J. Anderson, MjP., members of the Borough Council and Recruiting Committee, and prominent residents of the district. The local pipe band played Sir Joseph to the hall, where ho received a warm reception, his presence on the stage being a signal fov prolonged applause and cheers. Sir Joseph, who was listened to throughout with the greatest attention, made a strong appeal for recruits, a nd urged all physically ftt men who had no responsibilities ;o come forward and enlist. He appealed to their reason and contrasted the freedom of the British Empire with the conditions existing in Central Europe under the iron heel of Prussian militarism. New Zealand and the Empire were worth fighting for, and it was up to the young men to come forward freely and so avoid compulsion. When Sir Joseph resumed his seat after speaking for an hour and a-half he was warmly applauded and cheered. He was subsequently entertained at supper by the Mayor and councillors and the Recruiting Committee, Sir Joseph being warmly thanked for speaking at Mataura.

Sir Joseph concluded his Southland recruiting tour to-day, addressing two meetings this evening, one at West Plains and the other at Makarewa. They were both large meetings, and Sir Joseph received warm welcomes at each place. At West Plains Mr. T. Fraser (chairman of the County Council) presided, while at Makarewa Mr. Soar was in the chair. At both meeting's Sir Joseph's speech was in the natcre of a heart-to-heart chat with the Rettlers. Ho stressed the necessity of keeping the reinforcement drafts up to full strength, and appealed to those present to do all in their power to induce men to enlist, so that we could get through the war without the introduction of compulsory (service.

Votes of thanks were carried by acclamation at both places, the speaker being thanked on each occasion for eonRouting to speak at such small outlying settlements when there was such a demand for him in the larger centres. Sir Joseph leaves by the express to-morrow morning for Wellington, where he arrives on Wednesday morning.'.