A DISAPPOINTING CAMPAIGN

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVI, Issue 17038, 13 December 1915, Page 9

A DISAPPOINTING CAMPAIGN

DR M'NAB ON SOUTHERN TOUR,

GROWINC FEELING FOR CON-

SCRIPTION

Tho Hon Dr R. M'Nab, Minister of Justice, arrived from Dunedin by the mail train on Saturday afternoon, and left later by ferry steamer for the north.

In the course of a brief interview with a representative of the " Lyttelton Times," Dr M'Nab said that the results of his recent recruiting campaign were somewhat disappointing. There was- a growing feeling in Otago that some form of conscription was inevitable, and the publication of the national registration figures had accentuated such feeling. There was no doubt tho knowledge that thousands of men had refused to promise to assist the country cither in a civil or military capacity had caused many men who were about to volunteer for active servico to refrain from doing so until stops were takein against those who overlooked, or declined to recognise, their duty to the country. Men who had been enthusiastic workers in rounding up recruits oir in assisting at recruiting meetings now had much of their enthusiasm coolad. Severar frankly admitted that no further efforts could bo expected from them until mote drastic measures were taken. When filling in their registration cards thousands of man had promised to servo if required, yet the fact could not be got over that comparatively few had como forward since, despite the apr peals for recruite. Questioned regarding tho local camps controversy, tho Minister said that the question had never been raised at any of his meetings, and he did not think it a live issue in Otago.