NOT FAVOURED.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 126, 31 May 1939, Page 13

NOT FAVOURED.

MILITARY CONSCRIPTION. GO VERXM F. X T CAX DID AT E'S vi i:\vs. (By Telejjrnph— Pret>g Association.) ( HRISTCiirnCH, Tuesday A definite statement that ho wan r*ot in favour of military conscript ion was made to-night bv Mr. R. M. Maclarlane, the Labour candidate for ( hristchiirch South. at an election meeting. Mr. Macfiitiane made his statement in reply to a question from the hall, a mun asking whether, after the conscription of wealth iu the event ot war, tlie candidate would favour the conscription of men for overseas.

"I am not in favour of military conscription. and would never support it." Mr. Macfarlanc stated emphatically. "I ani like (lie Australian soldiers who vol ed on the issue during the Great War. We know how they voted, and I feel that way. too. I certainly believe ill the conscription of the wealth of the nation for war. Whether troops would be sent overseas would depend on the circumstances at the time. For the defence of our own country we must take the steps we are now taking tit view of the condition*) in Europe. "I would also like it understood very plainly that I believe in maintaining the integrity of the Empire," added Mr. Macfarlane. "It would be no help to the workers here if the British Empire became disintegrated, ami I ltelieve firmly in holding the Empire together."

Mr. Maefarlane was warnilv ap pUuded for these views. mid there wni not m single hostile interjection. the en lid ida te being accorded k vote of thanks, Only two hands, those of two women in the front of the hall, '.vent tip when there was * call for those against the motion. Mr. Maefarlane complimented the women 011 having the •trength of their convictions, but suggested that more yearn of the Labour Government might change them. "Never," one of the women replied emphatically.

Mr. Maefarlane: Well, a person who never changes hia opinion in his life wilf not get on very far.