HOME DEFENCE

Franklin Times, Volume XXX, Issue 29, 14 March 1941, Page 6

HOME DEFENCE

THE CONSCRIPTION ISSUE DISCUSSION AT PAPAKURA ‘’The response in Auckland has not been good, only about 5,500 have volunteered for home defence, while over 2,000 have joined up in Franklin; some places have not even yet taken this war seriously,” declared the Mayor, Mr S. Evans, at the Papakura Borough Council meeting- this week when commenting on a letter received from the Stratford Borough Council asking the council’s support in urging upon the Government to exercise its powers to call up for service all those not fit for overseas in view of the serious position now obtaining and the threatening aspect in the Pacific. “There are thousands today in this country who are'not war-minded, but whether tlie council should take a decisive step at this stage I cannot say,” added the Mayor. Mr D. J. Graham said the letter had merits but should not be hurriedly dealt with. The Government was doing excellent work in the defence of the country and doubtless had in hand the use of ail available man-power. “We should wait and give all our efforts to whatever policy is brought forward by the Government,” lie added. N • The council decided that the matter be reviewed at its next meeting.