NEED OF MEN

Evening Post, Volume XC, Issue 86, 9 October 1915, Page 4

NEED OF MEN

To-day's parade of five thousand brave, sturdy young soldiers in. the streets of Wellington is another reminder of the hard fighting in Gallipoli, and it meane another reproach to men, fit and free for service, who are deferring the registration which should be done immediately. Every such man who is not yet convinced that the time has come for him to send in his name has five thousand reasons, in to-day's parade, to speed his steps to a recruiting office. We share *the general belief that not many of New Zealand's men lack the courage to volunteer for the front, but it is plain that not all have the same zeal on behalf of their country. Some doubt the statements regarding the need of men ; others may imagine that the war will cease suddenly. Whatever the cause of the hesitation, the truth is that New Zealand has still thousands of single men whose names are not yet registered for active service overseas. It is recognised throughout the country that special pains will have to be taken to move these man k> the> enlistment offices ; «ffectiv« fcpe,tke?6 ajud writer Hvt to giv« the

proof that it is the plain duty of such men to act in a manner worthy of their manhood. We believe that mere platitudes of patriotism, the rhetorical phrases of superficial speakers, will not avail. Many people, after more than a year of war, have heard and read so much of that kind of language that they are weary of it, and prefer simple facts. The plain evidence of Gallipoli and other theatres of war, properly presented, should be the best argument to use with those whose names remain in reserve. There will be a meeting outside the Town Hall this evening, and young men will have facilities to put their names on a page of honour, that page in which the writing is a. noble sign of manhood.