The Daily News. MONDAY, APRIL 15, 1918. MORE MEN VITALLY NECESSARY.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 April 1918, Page 4

The Daily News. MONDAY, APRIL 15, 1918. MORE MEN VITALLY NECESSARY.

In Ins remarks in the House of Representatives on Thursday Mr. Massey emphasised the gravity of the situation on the Western front, in relation to which a confidential message lias been received from tho Home Government, the contents of which could not be disclosed. The recent speeches of Mr. Lloyd ■cieorge and Mr. Bonar Law, read in conjunction with the serious nature of the news from the front, give a sufficient idea of the critical trend of events to enable everyone to arrive at the conclusion as to the vital necessity for the despatch of every available man in Britain and the Dominions. According to one cablegram the Germans are trying to exhaust the British array by delivering sledgehammer blows wherever opportunity offers. Moreover, it is no use blinking the fact that eome severe reverses have been or. -intered, some of which, poßsibly, might have been avoided, but it is almost inevitable that blunders or errors of judgment should be made of a more or less costly character. We have to recognise that our losses have recently been considerable, and if, as is only too probable, the hammering process is to continue, it will become a question as to whether the Allies' strength will suffice to stand against the enemy. It was stated in the House of Commons that the most critical time would be the end of May or June. The Home authorities fully recognise the position, which has either to be faced or defeat may happen- The age limit is being raised.; there is to be a drastic combing out of exemptions and the supply of more men has become supreme to all other requirements—even to productionWe, in New Zealand, can have no adequate conception of the intense tension which the present crisis is causing in Britain, but we can fully recognise the imperative necessity for the whole Empire putting every ounce of weight available into the bitter conflict. It is quite evident the Germans have row brought up their big giins with a view to causing havoc behind the Allies' lines. That is part" of the tactics on both sides, but the very extensive front which the Allies have to defend causes every loss to increase their tremendous task and becomes a handicap on success unless sufficient reinforcements are available. The Homo Government has therefore been compelled to take a firm stand in providing the additional strength required, even to extending conscription to Ireland- It is not a question of optimism or pessimism, but of victory or defeat—and there must be no delay. Given the required reinforcements, yictorv is certain, otherwise there is only defeat staring the Allies in the face. The British Government is determined to do its utmost to meet the situation, or if the country desires a change of administrative plans then the present Ministers are willing to support any Government that will carry on the war, but the very thought of a political upheaval a.t the supreme crisis of the war is a reflection on the sanity of the nation. It is no time for wrangling when every precious moment should be devoted to meeting the grave position which exists. There should be no question of'loyally supporting any measures to meet the emergency which the Dominion Government deems necessary, though great sacrifices will be inflicted <w the zoea with de-

pendents. Sacrifices must 1)0 made if we are to will the war, but a drastic combing out and re-examination of rejects should be at once initiated. The requisite men must be obtained in the Empire; that is the least that can be done, and then the issue must be left in the hands of our military leaders, to whom we look for that victory which is so vital to tbe world at large.