LABOUR'S STURDY ANSWER

Evening Post, Volume XC, Issue 88, 12 October 1915, Page 6

LABOUR'S STURDY ANSWER

Messrs. D. M'Laren and E. J. Carey expressed the true spirit of Labour last night when they spoke of the war. Their words make a ringing answer to any section of New Zealanders lacking a proper sense of the intensity and immensity of the struggle in the Old World, thatN titanic fighting which requires the whole strength of the British Empire. The recruiting figures have proved that very large numbers of young working men have not bsen indifferent to the call of duty. They have volunteered gladly, and the example of those whose names have been placed in a record book of honour is always a stimulus to the less zealous. Mr. M'Laren has shown during the past year that he has observed the magnitude of the war and has perceived the truth that the safety and survival of the British Empire are seriously threatened. He knows that the old line, " Woe to the vanquished," has new pain and horror for those who come under the iron-heel of savage Prussia. Therefore Mr. M'Laren has frankly spoken in favour of universal service, if the needs of the nation demand it. Is there any alternative if the voluntary principle fails eventually to produce the number of soldiers which the country should be able to muster? How many New Zealanders are willing to surrender meekly to German barbarism? We believe that this country's men, of all classes, prefer the resolution of that valiant Maori chief Rewi, whose answer to the summons of an overwhelming force that -"he should surrender was : "We will fight you for ever and ever." The Minister of Defence, like the Prime Minister, has full confidence still in the honour and courage of men, fit and free for service, who have not yet enlisted, but both Mr. Massey and Mr. Allen have declared that if the unexpected happens — if any considerable proportion of New Zealand's manhood fails to respond to an urgent call — a system of compulsory service will be adopted. Again we say, as every sane citizen must say, there is no alternative when the safety of the State is in peril. The national registration will give an unmistakable indication of the resources of men still available by the voluntary method, and the Government is confident that the number will not be disappointing.