ANTI-RECRUITING METHODS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXV, Issue 8250, 22 September 1915, Page 4

ANTI-RECRUITING METHODS.

To the Editor "Guabdian." Sir, —At this time, when the cry is for more men, and still more men, to fill the gaps caused by casualties in

the firing line, where our gallant .lads have made such a name for themselves, I fighting shoulder to shoulder with their comrades from many lands, I would like to ask one or two questions ' which I trust you will not think out of place: — . . 1. Is it not a fact that anyone who! attempts by . any means to prevent' eligible men from joining the" reinforce- ■ ments is committing an offence, and is liable to prosecution ? 2. If a wealthy man had, say, several sons of, military age, and the said sons were prevented; from enlisting under threat of disinheritance,' would that be an offence under the present Act ? ' ! 3. If, in such case as No. 2, some" j brave lads have joined in defence of j (liberty, and have been disinherited, should not the law bo amended, in' order that these lads shall in the end ' receive their fair share, in spite of the , testator's will to the/contrary ? / ': \J, 4. Would not the introduction of the ; compulsory system be more equitable, j ■as such cases as those to which I have referred (if they exist) would then j have to do their duty; as a matter or , course, and rich nnd poor would have j to rally to the call ? Further, under I this system lads in their teens would, not be called on for foreign service, except the needs of the Allies in this great struggle were extremely urgent. As the question of volunteers or pressed men is in the air, I trust that all will remember, .that one volunteer is' worth 20 pressed men, ; especially when serious business is on hand. BRITISHER. Ashburton, September 22.