COMPULSORY SERVICE.

Colonist, Volume LVII, Issue 13852, 21 August 1915, Page 5

COMPULSORY SERVICE.

RENEWAL OF THE CONTROVERSY

London, Aug. 20,

The question of what may follow national registration is being generally discussed. A largo number of Irish labourers harvesting in England quitted work, believing ' tjiat registration involves conscription. Some slept but, thinking to escape enrolment, and others returned to, Ireland. Numbers were induced to* remain by promises of extra pay. A manifesto has been issued supporting Lord Northcliffe's new national service campaign. It is signed by men of all ranks,, including eight Liberal members, it emphasises that its purpose is not to embarrass or attack the Government, but to make it clear to the Cabinet that it' will have, the country behind it in adopting a resolute policy. ■ The "Daily News" says the only effect of the campaign will be to exeats a bitter controversy at a time when the avoidance of controversy of the kind is most necessary in the. public interest. . • ' „;'

CABLE NEWS.

[Press Association —Copyright.}

The "Daily Chronicle" questions the possibility of keeping command of thp sea, manufacturing for export, and financing the Allies, and .at the samo time maintaining under arms every, sound male between the ages of 19 ancS 45. It insists £hat the voluntary system should not be broken down, and questions the prudence of plunging into methods which are opposed to the genius of our people; and the adoption of which may result in impairing the magnificent spirit of national unity.

The conscription idea, in the opinion of some observers, has made great progress among the upper and middle classes.

Ladies shopping in London are constantly finding that emporiums cannot match colours, and.it is predicted that the city will soon be- o£ a drab sameness. Men's and-women's clothing will be either black, white, or grey, in consequence of the shortage of dyes.