Originally published May 28, 1940
AMPLE evidence, if such evidence were needed, of the fervent desire of the people of Sunraysia to serve their country and the British Empire was provided at the Mildura Town Hall when the largest crowd ever to assemble at the hall packed auditorium, balcony, stairways and doorways to hear the opening of the recruiting drive.
Every mention of the overthrow of Hitlerism was met with tremendous applause, and the feelings of the crowd were demonstrated in a practical way at the close of the meeting, when district men packed the stage to enlist.
The Central Recruiting Committee, recently formed, occupied the platform, and the Mayor (Cr. H. N. Sarah) presided.
Speakers were Captain E. C. Dawe, OBE, Area Officer; Major R. I. Hillard, MC; and Mr A. Henshall.
Opening the meeting, after the singing of the National Anthem, Cr Sarah said he was sure that all present knew why they were there.
The British Empire was in danger and men were needed.
The campaign now opening was with the object of finding those men.
One of the big factors the Empire was fighting for was Christianity.
That the people of this district, of the Commonwealth, and of the Empire realised this, was demonstrated by the outstanding response on Sunday to the King's request for a world day of prayer.
Cr Sarah said that speakers to follow him would ask all those eligible men in the district to join up and fight for the Empire and freedom, and everything we loved.
He was sure this district did not need a campaign, and after this first meeting, as we realised the seriousness of the hour, he was sure the call for men would be answered voluntarily.
He would say now that we would not lose the war. (Loud applause).
Continuing, Cr Sarah stated that he had received a telegram from the Mayor of Shepparton containing the following message: "A monster public meeting will be held at Shepparton on Tuesday night (tonight) to urge the Commonwealth Government to follow the lead given by the British Parliament in a vigorous prosecution of the war. Your opinion would be most appreciated."
Cr Sarah announced that his council had replied that they would strongly support any such movement. (Prolonged applause).
Cr Sarah concluded by stating that the Empire was fighting dearly for its very existence.
"We must," he said, "be loyal, firm and stand for everything that is right. If our Government decides to do what Britain and New Zealand have done, then wealth, as well as human life, will do its part in the fight. We must fight until we win."
Before introducing Captain Dawe, Cr Sarah said he wished, on behalf of the Recruiting Committee, to thank "Sunraysia Daily" and 3MA for their assistance in placing the facts before the people of the district.
It was due chiefly to the efforts on their part that such a large crowd had attended the meeting.
Captain Dawe said that for the first 33 weeks of this war there had been an average of 10 men per week enlisting at the Drill Hall.
"It seems to be our duty," concluded Captain Dawe, "to bring home to the younger men their sense of duty. The Empire-Australia is in danger. Our frontiers lie not at Darwin, Sydney, Melbourne or Perth, but at Palestine, Mesopotamia, and on the battlefields of Flanders." (Loud applause).
