NEW ZEALAND'S PART

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2866, 2 September 1916, Page 10

NEW ZEALAND'S PART

. v /• WHAT "THE'TIMES" SAID

AN AMENDED STATEMENT

TELEGRAM FROM HIGH COMMISSIONER

The Minister of Defence has received the following telegram from the High Commissioner:—

With reference to your tolegram of August 28, I havo communicated with the "Times," and an article quoting my denial, published this morning, states that no. reflection on New' Zealand was intended, and concludes in following-words:— / "Nevertheless on question of fact we cannot admit the alleged inaccuracy of our sttaement. At the time when tho New Zealand Ministry decided to ask Parliament to give it the power of compulsion volunteers for drafts had fallen short 'of tho required numbers, and this was put forward as the real justification of the -measure by our Now Zealand correspondent and by others who knew tho facts of the case, which, indeed, were matters of common knowledge, It was hoped that mere passing of a compulsion act would be sufficient; to bring voluntary- drafts up to strength, and to keep them so for some time. That anticipation has been proved accurate, and New Zealand, in our opinion, is to be congratulated on the acumen with which tho situation, was appreciated by her leaders and on the patriotism 'with- which her people accepted their remedy." Other newspapers- publish to-day Governor's communication to Colonial Office to the effect that the Government of New Zealand desire statements contradicted, pointing out that voluntary system' hasnot failed, but in preparation for . all eventualities before. Parliament meets next year, tho Government took the precaution of taking . power to maintain their obligations to the Imperial Governments The powers of the measure lmve not so far been required. Ministers havo always avoided drawing a comparison between the efforts of New Zealand and those of other pirts of the Empire, but have noreason to fear comparison as to tho numbers dispatched under voluntary system from New .Zealand. 1 . ■

Sir Thomas Mackenzie concludes his telegram with ah inquiry as to whether Mr. j Allen desires' to reply to tho "Times" amended statements. Mr. Allen has not yet answered that inquiry, but ho will do.so at once.