The Case for Conscription - A Dramatic Debate

On 1 August 1916, the Military Service Act was passed, bringing conscription to New Zealand. Listen as we bring back to life the voices of New Zealanders for or against conscription - from politicians to mothers, soldiers at the front, the church and conscientious objectors. Which side are you on?

The case for introducing conscription in New Zealand was a complicated one. There were multiple sides of the argument. Should there be a clause exempting religious and conscientious objectors? Should Māori be conscripted? In our short performance you'll hear the actual words used in parliamentary debates and newspapers to present the many shades of grey in this emotionally-charged debate.