COMPULSION CALL

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20254, 23 May 1940, Page 6

COMPULSION CALL

NATIONAL SERVICE AUCKLAND ENTHUSIASM LABOUR M.P’S SUPPORT TO INTERVIEW PREMIER (Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, this day. Over 2000 people in His Majesty’; Theatre and hundreds listening-in outside expressed in an unmistakable manner this morning their desire that the Government introduce compulsory national service. The speakers included Mr. Allar Moody, chairman of the Hospital Board, the Rev. P. Gladstone Hughes a prominent Presbyterian minister, Mr. L. P. Leary, a well-known barrister. Mr. H. A. Mildon, treasurer of the Returned Soldiers’ Association, and Mr. F. W. Schramm, M.P.

The speakers were given a rousing reception when they urged a whole-, hearted national effort. Mr. Schramm declared himself whole-heartedly behind the movement and said he was going to Wellington to-night to interview the Prime Minister, the Hon. P. Fraser, in support of the proposals. The meeting concluded amidst scenes of wild enthusiasm. “We are here to assist and not to criticise the Government and urge it (o realise the situation is grave,” said Mr. Moody Pertinent Queries

The greatest ovation of the meeting went to Mr. Hughes who, in a declamatory address, declared the Government was unaware of the temper and spirit of the people or it would have taken action before this. What was the reason, for the Government’s “go-slow” policy? Wits it sectional interest? Was it the opinion of a section inside the party who still regarded it as an Imperialist war or was it a section outside the House who believed it was only in a sectional interest? If it was so, the Prime Minister, the Hon. P. Fraser, should tel! 'the people and the people would be behind him to a man. The speaker urged that we should ration butter supplies so that more could be sent to Britain. The spirii that had been shown in Britain by the passing of an Act to conscripl both man-power and property was the spirit that was wanted in New Zealand. When Mr. Hughes concluded the applause lasted several minutes, this being followed by cheers and musical honours. All the speakers said it was not a party gathering. Mr. Leary said a great deal had already been done by the Government more probably than people understood. The major emphasis by the speakers was on the need for compulsory national service and the utilisation ol the full resources of the Dominion, including man-power. Several members of the audience expressed themselves in support of the objects of the meeting, which concluded amid scenes of enthusiasm