RECRUITING CAMPAIGN

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 60, Issue 4234, 22 January 1940, Page 4

RECRUITING CAMPAIGN

DECISION IN HAMILTON. USE OF VOLUNTARY SYSTEM. While it was freely contended by those present that conscription provided the only fair basis for military service both in New Zealand and overseas, it was decided at a meeting of the executive of the Hamilton Patriotic Committee held on Friday to assist in the campaign for recruiting on a voluntary basis. This step was advocated in a motion proposed by the Mayor, Mr H. D. Caro, who presided. Objection to the proposal was voiced by Mr H. M. Hammond, who contended that conscription was the only satisfactory and the fairest means of obtaining men. He did not agree with the system of getting volunteers by campaign methods such as had been advocated to the committee. Similar sentiments were expressed by other members, but it was agreed that as the committee had been asked to support a campaign for voluntary enlistment it was bound to assist in giving the system the fullest opportunities of functioning successfully. Almost without exception the executive held the view that New Zealand should follow the lead of Great Britain in regard jto compulsory military service. An amendment was proposed by Mr Hammond, and carried by nine votes to seven, that the meeting, while fully appreciating the action of those who had voluntarily enlisted for active service, considered that the immediate adoption of a system of universal military service was essential if New Zealand were to make its maximum effort with fairness to all sections of the community. Mr Caro’s motion, was, however, also carried.

Mr Caro said it would be appreciated that the recruiting campaign must be commenced without delay. The South Auckland Zone Patriotic Comittee had requested that each inter-zone committee take immediate steps to set up the necessary organisation in its district to handle the work.