SHIRKING FAMILIES.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17274, 15 September 1916, Page 4

SHIRKING FAMILIES.

SOME EXTRAORDINARY FIGURES

[FnoM Oub Correspondent.]

WELLINGTON, September 14

" Pouring in " seems to be the only adequate phrase to describe the way in which, evidence regarding shirking families is accumulating. Recruiting jommittees' have for a long time been .tampered in their efforts by the had jxa tuple of families containing soveral sons, none of whom have enlisted, as they have been too protrtably employed at home. Other young fellows Uavo put forward these eases as a reason tor uolding back, so tnat tne committees are well aware of most of the bad examples throughout the country, and they have forwarded to the National Recruiting Board the information tliey possess. Of course, before action is taken to compel enlistment, the evidence will have to be carefully sifted,, and tbo Government does not intend to go in for arbitrary action without the mesb positive justification. The Military Service Hoards will be appointed at the end of the week", and then tha family shirker clause will be made operative, these eligibles being called upon to show cause why they should not be summarily enlisted. To show the need of this clause it is only neces;arv to mention that in one recruiting district, no fewer than 631 names of tl.eged "family shirKers" have been reported. In part of another district, aiprMy-eindit names have been submitted for attention.