RECRUITING CAMPAIGN.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17099, 23 February 1916, Page 8

RECRUITING CAMPAIGN.

MEETING TO BE HELD IN CHRISTCHURCH. THE PERSONAL CANVASS. MESSAGE FROM THE PRIME MINISTER.

Tho Mayor has arranged for a public meeting to he held at the end of the week to establish largo recruiting centres with branches in outlying districts. , This is in accordance with the now scheme set forth by tho Government.

The Hon J. Alien. Minister of Defence. and Mr T.. M. Isitt. M.P.yhave consented to address the meeting, and arrangements will be made for other speakers also. The Mayors of suburban boroughs and the chairmen of local bodies have been invited to occupy seats on the platform. Mr Holland specially requests the presence of members of the Women's National Service League and all women who are willing to help the recruiting movement. Mr Holland stated last night that ho hoped there would be a large nttendaneo of the public.' Yesterday lie received the following telegram from the Light Hon W. F. "Ma ssey. Prime Minister, in regard to the personal canvass clement in the now scheme: — “The Recruiting Board desires to remove a misconception that would sr-em to exist amongst members of some local bodies whose help and cooperation have been sought. The board docs not necessarily ask that they should personally canvass, but it. does appeal to thorn as public _ men with great responsibilities in this crisis to organise and supervise recruiting worn their districts, to sec that each reinforcement quota for their group area, is provided. The hoard feels sure there are many men and women suitable for this work m each district who would willingly join with local bodies to make the scheme a success.'’ ACTION IN WESTLAND. MONSTER RECRUITING MEETING[Per Presb Association.] HOKITIKA. February 22. All the local bodies in Westland hare ao-reed to support the Government recruiting scheme. At a meeting of representatives this evening to organise united, action if was decided to hold a. National Service Day J-roug.iout Westland some day in March, mtli a mass meeting in Hokitika. It was lesolved to ask a member of the. Dot - ernment. Recruiting Board to attend and address the assemblage. It is also intended to ask returned soldiers to speak. The Government has boon askedjjto arrange a suitable train service for the convenience of country visitors and declare a public holiday throughout tlic district, also to organise a mihtniy parade and take other steps to make the gathering impressive of the needs of the nation. Speakers were unanimous in support of organising a monster gathering for the purpose in view.

WORK OF THE BOARD. [Per Press Association.] WELLINGTON, February 22. -The work of the Recruiting Board is proceeding well," said the Prime Minister to-day. -" A few local bodies have not seen their way to assist, but the response" in most cases has been all that we could desire, and I have no doubt that as the scheme becomes better understood the arrangements will work even more smoothly than they are doing now." i The Karori Borough Council to-night decided to assist in every way possible the work of the Recruiting Board, ill the hope that the voluntary system will produce, all. the meu needed, but. it would give equal support to compulsory recruiting" if found necessary.

TO ASSIST RECRUITING SCHEME. [Per Pbkss Association.] DANNEYIRKE, February 22. A J conference of .representatives of local bodies in connection with the new recruiting -scheme resolved: ''While regretting that the Government does not see its. way clear to bring in a Mili-tary-Service Bill at present, the committee will in the meantime further the recruiting scheme in every possible way." . i ,