MEN WANTED.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVI, Issue 17030, 3 December 1915, Page 6

MEN WANTED.

The vigorous discussion of the recruiting question does not appear to have brought about the desired improvement in the posit-ion, and for the first time since the war started there is a danger that the Dominion will be unable to meet its obligations in the matter of men on the due date. We were very hopeful that this danger would not occur for some months to come, allowing the authorities time to tackle the all-important matter of organisation of effort, but it seems we may now have to pay the penalty of deficient imagination and lack of official initiative. Obviously what is wanted is more action and less talk, and we are strongly ot opinion that the problem should be mot immediately in a practical manner locally, leaving the argument with the Minister to a more convenient season. There is little enough time for preparation, but a day will suffice if only a few enthusiastic citizens will take the initiative. To commence with, a guarantee is needed to cover the unavoidable expenses. A central recruiting bureau should be opened in the city, preferably in Colombo Street, in the neighbourhood of Cathedral Square, and all practicable means should bo adopted to make it a rallying place. Simultaneously urgent appeals should bo issued to all rural centres, and local efforts should he stimulated by as many rallies as can possibly be arranged. This is the time when volunteers aro wanted for the recruiting movement. Thera aro scores of men in the community itching to throw themselves into this good work, but they are deterred by the feeling that ns they are not free to join the expeditionary force they cannot fairly urge other men to join. We know that this feeling is widespread, but the need of help is so urgent that such man must face the delicate position boldly and give their voices and their energies to the service of tho ICmpiro at home if they cannot ssrve abroad. It is sa:d that the near approach of the Christmas season is keeping young men from enlisting. 11 that is so the necessity for a vigorous movement is all the more imperative. Wo behove that if the problem is attacked in this spirit the required results will be obtained. There is no time just now to debate the local camp issue, because action must be immediate and effective. The local camps, wo are convinced, will lie brought into being in the'near future, but it is now that the effort is demanded and wo feel that to-day should not he allowed' to pass- without a beginning of the new movement.