NO COMPULSION.

Northern Advocate, 2 July 1917, Page 1

NO COMPULSION.

COMMONWEALTH CREED.

ENUNCIATED BY PREMIER.

June 29,

A statement of Jhe recruiting policy of th| B Government was made today by the Prime Minister. Mr Hughes said that in formulating it the Government had taken into consideracion the present position of the war and the circumstances under, which Parliament 'elected.'; The Government, was pledged not'to-resort to - compulsory service save under certain circumstances, which, in his opinion, Lad not yet arisen. Therefore he submitted proposals, in harmony with his pledges, which, he believed, would Keep Australia's five divisions up to fighting strength. In OctobteT, 1*316, the British War Office, basing its estimate on the wastage of the Somme offensive, advised the Commonwealth that 16,500 reinforcemtents were, required monthly. Happily later experience .proved 'that this estimate was too' high. The winter campaign and the spring offensive kd the 'Government to fix.the minimum number re- - quired at 7000 a month. It was estimated that there were still 140,000 sin. gle men and '280,000 married men >Q .- tween the ages of 18 and 44 eL . : During the past six months '■ i ■■■ had averaged 4750 a month, the number .fell to 4500, ,'v quite inadequate. The / desired to secure addrtir to enable the 5000 renw of the First "'Division fetalis. Mr Hughes prom tion to give effect patriation schero ■/ terests of deper . .ef ference of er ned soldiers. H ■ ■ ■ /rised thi 3 Minist*> anvene State con' •■■ i ' bodies to give ernment's propos/ friction of 'port. i to all sec\n' ,-zhd l work harof a policy / >c an impossible ■■Ay. . The' Director >.' ■ confident that the xmld be securied.