RECRUITING.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 11687, 2 May 1916, Page 3

RECRUITING.

WELLINGTON SUGGESTIONS. A CONFERENCE WITH MINISTERS [Pe:r Pbess Association.] WELLINGTON, May 1. A meeting of the War League and tho local Recruiting Committee was held this evening. The Hons G. W. Russell and J. Allen attended. A suggestion from the Hataitai coramitteo was adopted tltat, returned soldiers andover age men should bo employed to ask singlo men who have stated their willingness to serve when they are willing to go into camp, and if they are willing to go to camp at a fortnight's notice. It- was further suggested that the National _ Register should bo checked by talcing a. census, and that moil who put themselves down for a date six mouths beyond the date, of visitation by the canvassers shall he treated as if they had refused to serve, that compulsion in the first place shall be applied to these men and to those who in the National Register cards stilted their unwillingness to servo in any capacity, military or civil. When these classes have been dealt with the voluntary service doors should be thrown open to married men and single men with dependents, and thereafter general compulsion should be applied. The Hon J. Allen spoke on the success achieved by the existing Government scheme of recruiting when properly tried in Dunediu and Auckland, and lie urged a fair trial in Wellington. The Hon 0. W. Russell suggested that the Defence Department should send confidential circulars to the 100,000 men who in the National Register stated their willingness .to serve, asking them now to fulfil the promise. The Women's National Reserve offered to assist recruiting.