THE CALL FOR RECRUITS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 16098, 11 December 1915, Page 6

THE CALL FOR RECRUITS.

While the results of the national registration and their ultimate effect upon recruiting are being ardently discussed in all parts of New Zealand there is immediate need for volunteers to fill, the eleventh reinforcement. Whatever action may be taken as a consequence of the registration it is neither reasonable nor desirable that the Government should be urged to change its plans before the facts are fully known. The registration figures, so far as published, have unquestionably strengthened the belief that a conscription policy must be faced, but it would be a mistake for any patriotic citizen to meantime allow his feeling in this connection to interfere with whatever assistance he can now render to the recruiting office. Passive resistance might be intelligible had the Government failed when its duty was clear, but it cannot be seriously contended that this stage has been reached or even that the Government has shown any disinclination to face the facte courageously. Whatever may lie in the future we are now dependent on volunteers, and there is a likelihood of the 11th Reinforcement going into camp under full strength. So far as this may be a result of any anticipation of a change in Defence policy it is exceedingly regrettable and should be guarded against by all who consider it to be their duty to advocate conscription. Another influence operating against the success of the recruiting movement this month is tho desire of recruits to be at home during Christmas. The Premier has, issued an urgent appeal to men on the lists and to potential recruits on this subject. It is impossible not to sympathise with the desire to spend Christmas at home; it is equally impossible to get away from the forco of the Premier's call for a Christmas sacrifice to help the New Zealanders who must spend Christmas in the fightingline. It is to be hoped that Mr. Massey's confidence in the young New Zealanderu will be justified by events, and that the 11th Reinforcement will be at full strength on due date and able to spend a Merry Christmas in camp.