To the Editor of the "Norta-Cuina Dairy News.'"
Sim,—With reference to the various recruiting schemes now in operation or under consideration, may I bring to your notice common-sense idea frequently discussed amongst men who would willingly volunteer, but whose private affairs render it imperative for them to make absolutely sure of being accepted at home before abandoning their positions here, If the Government really wante volunteers from abroad, let a transport start, say, from Yokohama and proceed Home vid the usual ports, volunteers to be passed on board by Army doctors, to be sworn in st once, and thus to come under military discipline and training without delay: on arrival at Home, the men to be distributed wherever their services may be required, a few days leave being granted if possible. There can be little doubt that this scheme would result in landing at home a full echipload of recruits who had already commenced their training, surely then justifying the expense, The present position of a would-be recruit who has any other responsibili than merely his own keep is that, after leaving his employment and proceeding Home, he may be rejected after all, leaving him practically stranded half across the world from his regular billet, and under the urgent necessity of finding immediate employment at Home, where, we know, conditions are none too rosy just now. The unpleasantness of this prospect is still further accentuated in the case of a man who has some slight physical defect—who may pass the local doctors, but is frankly told that his chance of rejection by an Army doctor st Home is at least within the bounds of probability.
In conclusion, may I ask why your correspondents almost invariably assume that all single men are entirely without other responsibilities than their own selfish needs? can assure them that such is far ud that very the direct result of having to should-gieness" is
er other burdens.
Enclosing my card, and hoping vou will be able to find space for these gentle hints to the powers that be—and others—, Tam, ete, Oxe Woo wourp Lixe to.
Shanghai, Dec. 33.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.