RECRUITING CAMPAIGN.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17095, 18 February 1916, Page 8

RECRUITING CAMPAIGN.

ADDRESS TO OXFORD FARMERS. The Hon D. Bucklo and Mr A. S. Clarkson, who are conducting a series of recruiting meetings at the different markets in North Canterbury, addressed a large meeting of farmers at Oxford' at the conclusion of the stock sales yesterday. The, chief object of the meetings is to impress on the minds of the farmers the gravity of the Empire’s position, and the urgent need oi tile services of their sons at the front.

Mr, .Buddo gave a stirring address, and was heartily applauded when he declared that the father who placed any obstacle in the way of his son going to the front was a traitor to his country. There was, Jte said, plenty of labour available to work the farms, but if the farms had to go untillea' for a season the sacrifice would not be too great for what was at. stake; and if thereby the requisite help would be afforded to beat, the Germans. Taranaki, Hawke’s Bay and other parts of the North Island had done splendidly in the way of recruiting, and it was a strange thing that Canterbury could not do much better than it had done. He wanted t.o impress upon the farmers that in the event of defeat they had much to lose. It was their game, and they must he into it. There must be no off-side, but the ball must be kept at the feet. If everyone did his part, they were bound to win, and everyone would be proud of the victory. (Applause.) Mr Clarkson said that he was present as a representative of the North Canterbury Recruiting Board, and he explained',. the objects of that organisation. The newspapers and the public inert at Home were, he said, telling us that we are going to win, but- unless everyone did bis oart victory could not be assured. He wanted the farmers to realise this and to send their sons to do their duty. Tt- was no use thinking about the matter any longer. An ounce of service was worth tons of thinking. New Zealand was worth fighting for, and there should lie no hesitation on the part of the young men to join their mates, at the front. M r j. Wells, chairman of the County Council, proposed a vote of thanks to the speakers, which was carried with apnlausb.

[Per Press Association-.] AUCKLAND, February 17. Recruiting in Auckland during the week showed a slight improvement on the previous week. According to official returns issued to-night, a gain of 10-5 medically fit men was made. The monthly quota for the district is 600 privates and 36 non-commissioned officers, so it is necessary to recruit about 160 men each week. WELLINGTON. February 17. . The Miramar Borough Council has agreed to support the new recruiting scheme to the full extent of its power, being of.opinion that the exigencies of the military situation demand greater efforts than can he obtained by voluntary service, and urges the Government to establish an equitable system of compulsory service. The Onslow Borough Council unanimously decided to conform with the views'of the Recruiting Board, and give the central committee every possible assistance.