THE RECRUITING CAMPAIGN.

Gisborne Times, Volume XLVII, Issue 4207, 5 April 1916, Page 5

THE RECRUITING CAMPAIGN.

SIR JOSEPH WARD’S TOUR

SOUTHLAND TRIP CONCLUDED

(Press Association Telegram.) INVERCARGILL ,April 4. Sir Joseph Ward continued his recruiting campaign on Saturday, addressing a crowded .meeting in the horticultural hall at Matatura. So great was the crowd, that dozens were unable to get seats and stood throughput the evening. Many otlier s were unable to gain admission and stood outside the hall, where they were able to hear as the evening was fine and all the doors and windows Avere open. ■ The Mayor (Mr E. H. Brown) presided and on the platform Avere Mr G. J. Anderson, M.P., members of the Borough Council, and recruiting committee and prominent residents of the district. The local pipe band played Sir Joseph to the hall, Avliere he received a warm reception, liis presence on the stage being a signal for prolonged applause and cheers. Sir Joseph, avlio Avas listened to throughout Avith the greatest attention, made a strong appeal for recruits and urged all physically fit men who had no responsibilities to come fonyard and enlist. Ho appealed to their reason ../and 1 contrasted the freedom of the British Empire with the conditions existing in Central Europe under the iron heel of Prussian militarism. New Zealand and the Empire were Avorth lighting for and it was up to the young men to come forward freely and so avoid compulsion. When Sir Joseph, resumed his seat after speaking for an hour and a-half lie Avas Avarmly applauded and cheered. Ho Avas subsequently entertained at supper by the Mayor and Councillors and Recruiting Committee, Sic Joseph being Avarmly thanked for speaking at Mathura. Sir Joseph concluded bis Southland recruiting tour yesterday, addressing two meetings this evening, one at West Plains and the other at Malta rewa. They Avere both large meetings and Sir Joseph received warm Avelcomes at each place. At West. Plains Mr T. Fraser (Chairman of the County Council) presided, Avliile at Makarewa Mr Soar Avas in the chair. At both meetings Sir Joseph’s speech Avas in the nature of a heart-to-heart chat Avith the settlers. He stressed the necessity of keeping the reinforcements drafts up to full strength and appealed to those present to do all in their poAver to induce men to enlist, so that we could get through the Avar Avitliout the introduction of compulsory service. Votes of thanks were carried by acclamation at both places, the speaker being thanked on each occasion for consenting to speak at such small outlying settlements Avhen there Avas such a demand for him in the larger centres. MR- MASSEY IN THE WAnt-A-lt APA. (Press Association Telegram). MASTER-TON,. April 4. Tho Prime Minister addressed 1 four recruiting meetings in tho Wairarapa to-day, and concluded Avith a vigorous appeal in the Municipal Hall at Mas-tert-on. Mr. Wilford, M.P., also spoke in the hall and in the open air.