NEW ZEALAND AND CONSCRIPTION?

North Otago Times, Volume CIV, Issue 13661, 1 September 1916, Page 1

NEW ZEALAND AND CONSCRIPTION?

LONDON TIMES REFUTED, .OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS, (Por Cnlile—Press Association—Copyright.) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association), Received August, 31, at H. 35 p.m. LONDON, August 30. The Press Bureau circulates the New Zealand Government's contradiction of the statement published in -London;that the voluntary system bad failed in New Zealand, thus necessitating compulsion, The New Zealand Government points out that the new Bill is a precautionary measure, in order to maintain the -Imperial obligations, and its powers have not yet been used, The Government adds that it has always avoided comparing New Zealand's "efforts with the other Dominions, but there is no reason 'to fear a comparison concerning the numbers despatched by New Zealand under voluntaryism,.

» - HIGH COMMISSIONER PROTESTS.

"THE THUNDERER'S" RE-

JOINDER.

("The Times" Service.)

Received August 31, at 6.45 p.m. LONDON, August 31, The Hon, Thomas Mackenzie in a letter protests against the statement in the Times leader of the 25th, concerning New Zealand and compulsion.

The Times comments on Sir Thomas Mackenzie's letter as follows: We need hardly say that it was not intended to reflect on Now Zealand, which lias followed the British example by adopting a measure generally regarded as proof of the utmost national devotion, Nevertheless the statement was accurate, that when New Zealand adopted compulsion, volunteers for the drafts 'had fallen short and it was hoped that the mere passing of- the Compulsion Act would bring the voluntary drafts up to the requisite strength. The Times congratulates New Zealand on the accuracy of the Ministers' perception, and I lie'people's patriotism in accepting the remedy.