LORD DERBY'S REPORT

Sun (Christchurch), Volume II, Issue 594, 5 January 1916, Page 7

LORD DERBY'S REPORT

RECRUITING IN BRITAIN. DIFFICULTIES OF THE STARRING" SYSTEM. JJy Cubit.— JVt.v.s- Association. — Copyriglit. (Received .January •">. 9.40 a.m.) LONDON, January 4. Lord Derby, in his report, stales that 1.150,000 unmarried men and 1.679,263 married men have been enlisted, attested. or n-jeeted. out of 2.179.231 unmarried and 2.M2.210 married men available; 651,000 unstarred unmari'ied men haw not been accounted for. 'Hie report stales that many difficulties have arisen from the system of "starring."' which lias been a distinct hindrance, instead of an assistance, especially in rural areas, where many men claimed to l>e starred who had no claim. The starring system has been proved to l»e unreliable, and must be carefully investigated in all industries, in order to prevent those available for service from escaping. Many married men would have enlisted, but were barred by domestic financial, and business obligations, especially professional and commercial men. who were, obliged to meet rent, insurances, and loan interest. Many unmarried men were in the same position. Another deterrent was the unfairness to some nun of enlisting, while others secured lucrative employment. A very large number were willing to enlist if "So-and-so enlisted." The canvass distinctly shows that it is not want of courage which is keeping the men back. There is abundant evidence of a determination to see the war through to a successful conclusion. ( ommentiug on the 651,160 unstarred and unattested unmarried men, Lord Derby says:—"'Tins number is far from negligible. 1 am distinctly of the opinion that, in order to redeem Mr Asquith's pledge, it will be impossible to hold married men to their attestation unless the service of the unmarried men is obtained by other means, the present system having failed to bring them to the Colours. Starred and unmarried men should be replaced by older and married 'men where possible. The list of reserved occupations is growing over-large." Lord Derby adds that 1.070,478 men attested in the last four days under the scheme.