CONSCRIPTION.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 10713, 30 December 1912, Page 4

CONSCRIPTION.

Here is a sample of the rubbish that is being pnlmed off on the unsuspecting British public. It was written by a Mr Edward- Stevenson, of 105, Princess street, Hastings, to the Manchester Guardian, and was published by that paper as an item of news. "I am pleased to see that the Manchester Guardian Ls giving publicity to our fight against child conscription. This barbarous measure was foisted on the peoplo on the crest df a wave of jingoism without the people being consulted, nor was it thought of at the election previou s to the passing of tho Act. Tliie imprisonment of passive resistors was tho direct cause of tho Ward Ministry being hurled from offioe. The Tory party, now i:> office, propose to buikl military prisons, thus creating a military authority independent of the civil law, but it will wreck them as it wrecked tlu sham Liberals. We are going to continue the fight against it more resolutely than ever. Indeed, the fight is only starting. I was present nt the Hastings Court- last Wednesday, when two youths were fined for nonattendance at drill. Talking to the lads, I found that they I were doing a man's work during the day. and weiv not fit for drill after their work,."so I paid both the fines and cost,;. Many sturdy lads are now in gaol for standing firm for the best traditions of onr race. The supporters of tlr« panic legislation indulge in the niosr, disgraceful larrikinism and hooliganism, and often break up public meetings. Over a million pounds has a.ireadv been blown to "Qie winds on it, and it is not worth a halfpenny stain p. Anti-conscription leagues are being organised in many of the centres. In the meantime you may wairn your readers that if they should come to New Zealand they will be subject to child conscription."