NEED FOR ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF MEN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 16025, 17 September 1915, Page 7

NEED FOR ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF MEN.

EARL KITCHENER NOTES PALLING OFF IN RECEtJITiNG.

DECISION TO BE TAKEN IN FULL LIGHT OF FACTS. London, September 15. • The supply of men for the British Army was touched upon by Earl Kitchener in his speech in the House of Lords to-day. He said

"Some of our new armies are already in the field, and others will quickly follow. The country's response to the call for recruits has been little short of marvellous, but it must be borne in mind that the provision of men to maintain the forces in' the field depends greatly upon a large and continuous supply of recruits.

"The provision to keep up recruiting in 1916 has caused anxious thought, which has been accentuated by a recent falling-off in enlistments, although every effort has been made to obtain requirements under the present system. The problem of securing an adequate supply of men is engaging close attention, and will, I hope, very soon receive a practical solution.

"The returns under the Registration Bill, which will be available shortly, will give a basis whereon we may calculate the resources of the country and determine the numbers of men available for the army after providing for necessary services in the country and in munition works. Whatever decision be reached in the full light of the facts must undoubtedly be founded upon military requirements for the prosecution of the war and the protection of our shores, and will be the result of impartial inquiry as to how we can most worthily fulfil our national obligations. Although there has been a falling-off in the number of recruits, I do not desire to draw any conclusion unfavourable to"' the resolution and spirit of the country. On tie other hand, I think the manner in which all classes have responded to the call of patriotism is magnificent. Ido not doubt for an instant that whatever sacrifices may be necessary to bring the gigantic war to a successful conclusion will be cheerfully undertaken."

DEBATE IN PARLIAMENT ON NATIONAL SERVICE.

VIOLENT ATTACK ON LORD NORTHCLIFFE.

(■Received September 16. 11.30 p.m.)

London, September 16. Several speeches were delivered in the House of Commons to-day on the question of compulsory national service. Those who spoke in favour were Mr. L. C. Amery. Unionist member for South Birmingham, Sir Alfred Mond, Liberal member for Swansea, Captain Guest, and Mr. Chiozza Money.

Captain Guest's speech was listened to with rapt attention, even by his opponents. Replying to the argument that it was dangerous to swop horses when crossing a stream, he said: "I would agree if the end of the war were near, but we have hardly begun. We have hardly got our feet wet, and the stream has grown much wider during the past year. Germany for nine months, thanks to her superior equipment, has held back the combined forces of Britain and France with the left hand, while with the right she has dealt Russia a staggering blow. We really want 4,000,000 men under arms.''

Mr. John Dillon, Nationalist member for Mayo East, in opposing conscription, vehemently attacked a portion of the press which, he said, was doing its utmost to impede the voluntary system. "Many a man is in gaol for much less than Lord Northcliffe has done," he exclaimed, ''and but for his power and connections he v would have been sent to gaol long ago." The country, he argued, would conimit the greatest blunder if it abandoned the voluntary system. .- : ., Mr. Stephen Walsh. Labour member for the Ince Division of Lancashire, voiced Labour's hostility to compulsion. If, however, the Government declared compulsion a necessity in order to win, and produced facts to prove the assertion, the Trade : "Union. Congress would reconsider the resolution opposing compulsion recently passed - at Bristol, and would urge trades unionists to acquiesce.