Against Conscription

Maoriland Worker, Volume 6, Issue 243, 13 October 1915, Page 4

Against Conscription

ECONOMIC CONSCRIPTION

In an appeal to the employers of New Zealand, the Hon. James Allen, Minister of Defence, 6ays: "I beg each of you to arrange that medically fit unmarried men in your employ ment may bo mo to register for service." What does Mr. Allen mean when ho appeals to the employers in those words'' Ho "begs" one of two Ihiugs: Either ho wants the employers to do nothing to prevent their employees from enlisting, or ho "begs" that they victimise by dismissal thoso who don't enlist. If it is tho former favor he is "begging," then his prayer is nousensical in tho extreme —for surely ho knows that any employer who prevents an employee from enlisting may be sovercly dealt with under the military law. Only "influence" could preveut such an employer from going to jail. It has been suggested , by 0110 very simple-minded Elision paper that it may bo "a request that single men with financial responsibilities that cannot bo met out of military pay are to bo helped financially by their employers." Tho suggestion is, of course, not to bo taken seriously. If Mr. Allen is really invitjng the employers to enforce a system of economic conscription, then the unions must quickly recogniso the danger that threatens. The law is supposed to protect the unionist in his employment, irrespective of whether he is married or single, and no employer can legally discharge a single man becauso he has failed to

enlist. Whether he enlists or not is a matter for his private conscience. A man may decline to go to war because ho has conscientious objections to killing other men, or he may haye dependants whom ho is not willing to leave to tho tender mercies of charity. In eithor caso uo ono has a right to. subject him to victimising methods. It has been said that "it is quite open for any employer to question sjngle nien" on the matter of their dependants. Eor an employer to so question his employees would bo nothing' less than impertinence, and single men would bo well advised to firmly refuse to furnish such information to any private individual. Under the semi-con-scription of tbo so-called "National Roaster" they will be required to furnish' particulars concerning their dependants but the statistician alone will havo knowledge of the information supplied—tho Register details arc tp be kept strictly secret. It is the duty of the unions to stand by all of their members-iu this matter. Tho victimisation of single mon must not bo permitted; and any attempt in this direction should bo met determinedly—the law as it stands should be upheld, even ii the exercise of the whole economic strength of tho union becomes necessary to uphold it. Mr. Allen would be wise if he at once publicly explained what he really meant when he "begged" the employers to "arrange" that medically fit unmarried men iv their empipy might- be "free to register for service." H.E.H.