COMPULSION.

Northern Advocate, 6 December 1916, Page 2

COMPULSION.

WHY IT WAS ENFORCED,

(By Telegraph.—Press Association). DUX EDI X. December 5. At the last meeting of tho City Council it '.vr.s suggested that the Minister it Defence had been "'Quibbling," "(lii!y-dull>ing," and "kidding" in l'osard to the enforcement oi" conscription. Writing to the Mayor of Dane; 1 ;!!, the Hon. James .Vllen. says: 'The ii.iotations are reported to be the ren:;-r'.:s of Councillors Sinclair. Begg and White. I can only assume that these councillors, and perhaps some others, fV.uiM tho accuracy of statements made in my letter as chairman of the Recruiting Board, namely, that "the only reason why the compulsory provisions had not been pin into force so far had been the impossibility of get!ing the necessary machinery ready. Every effort was being made to expedite the work, bit' these preparations required care and time. I regret extremely that my word has not been taken, and would suggest that the councillors who an in doubt about the matter should make a visit to Wellington, and I un. dertake to permit them to exam in f the records of the Department with regard to the Military Service Act. and to examine the Government Statisticians, or any other officers, they wish to examine, .and generally to make the fullest inquiries. Ido this, your Worship, not so much to establish my own truthfulness—that is a matter which concerns myself—but to remove false impressions that may be created in the public mind that delay has taken place—and the suggestion is deliberate delay—in bringing into operation the Military Service Act.