DOMINION'S PART.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 October 1916, Page 7

DOMINION'S PART.

OUR WAR EXPENDITURE. •n MILLION A MONTE. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Dmiedin, October 23. 'The Minister of Defence states that the Dominion's war expenditure is now one million sterling per month, which the country is meeting without flinching. This amount includes the cost of transporting troops and also includes the payment e.nd provisioning and complete maintenance of the division in the field.

Replying to a question as to the strength of the division and its position as regards the supply of Reinforcements, Mr Allen emphasised the fact that the Dominion's policy of beginning moderately and steadily building up the forces to the strength of a distinct division with ample reserves in the field, in training and on the way, has been maintained unbrokenly.

lie pointed out, without making comparisons that it had not boon necessary for Sir Douglas Haig to call upon New Zealand to fulfil her obligations. Mr. Allen made it clear that there was 110 foundation for the rumor that the New Zealanders arc being sent tt> tin!'.Balkans. Our strongest representation was on the Western front, where the division was likely ao remain till the end The mounted men were doing good work in Egypt, atod there was no suggestion of their beins withdrawn. The Minister emphatically denied the mupestion that the Government was deliberately delaying the operation of compulsion, and said that if representative public bodies desired to become apprised of the real difficulties in preparing for conscription, they need only appoint someone to take part in the work. He ridiculed the allegation that the Government was awaiting the result of the Commonwealth referendum. The Dominion would maintain her own policy, and would meet all her obligations. When compulsion was exercised there would be absolutely no discrimination between the conscript and the volunteer.