NATIONAL REGISTER

Waikato Times, Volume 126, Issue 21038, 14 February 1940, Page 6

NATIONAL REGISTER

The New Zealand Government’s decision to institute a national register as a means of surveying the man-power of the Dominion will be accepted as a businesslike method of approaching the task in hand, even if the compilation of the register from information gained under the Social Security Act is unusual. Recruiting committees throughout the country have felt the need for more comprehensive knowledge of the manpower available, and a complete and reliable register should be of great value to them. It was almost inevitable that such a register should be compiled in view especially of the possibility of a change from the system of voluntary recruiting. The Hon. P. Fraser in announcing the decision emphasised that the Government pinned its faith to the voluntary system. In fact the Government has always stoutly maintained its faith in the present method of recruiting. It may be, of course, that circumstances will vet force the Government’s hand, and in that case the introduction of some form of conscription would render the compilation of a complete register imperative. Mr Fraser acknowledged that the greatest possible effort had not yet been put forward by New Zealand, and it is expected that an immediate campaign to stimulate recruiting will be undertaken. The result of that campaign will probably indicate whether the voluntary system will continue to serve the purpose. When it is necessary to co-ordinate military service with essential service on the economic front the problem of filling the ranks of a volunteer army is not simple. It often happens that those most eager to serve are those who can least be spared from the productive industries. Information obtainable from a complete national register will be invaluable to the local manpower committees which are to be appointed, and to the national authorities. When no occupation can be classed as completely “reserved,” every enlistment has to be considered on its merits by the committees, and the committees require the comprehensive picture of the country’s manpower position as well as details concerning the individual recruit to assist them in their judgment.