Imagine if you will opening next week's Hawkesbury Gazette and finding a letter like this from the current Premier ...
Message from the Premier
Since the commencement of the present war many difficulties have united to prevent Australia taking the share in it to which her population, wealth and favoured position call her. During the earlier months the numbers of men offering were greater that the number for which the Government could organise and despatch to the front.
These difficulties have now, however, apparently disappeared. The moment has arrived when the citizens of this great Commonwealth are called upon by the heads of the Empire to freely offer themselves for the general defence. My colleagues and myself, after consideration, have decided to employ the whole of the resources of the State Government in a vigorous effort to secure for the Commonwealth the additions of strength which are rightly expected from our populous and powerful State.
We accordingly invite every man between the ages of 19 and 40, who is unmarried, physically capable of military service, and not burdened with family responsibilities to at once offer himself for the new Expeditionary Forces which have been called for by the Commonwealth Government.
There is no part of the Empire which has so far suffered less from either the ravages of war or from its consequent economic disturbances than we have.
There is no part which should be in a position to render more strenuous or devoted service.
There is however reason to fear that even now many of our fellow citizens of the State do not realise how serious this war is; what we should collectively and individually suffer if the Allies were defeated; and what a leap back into the Dark Ages it would be if a German invasion of British soil became possible ...
... My appeal to the physically fit young men of New South Wales is:
Help to keep the enemy off British soil. Join your comrades at Gallipoli and assist to force the Dardenelles. The freeing of the Straits will be the beginning of the end; nowhere can greater glory be won or better service rendered. Those who go now will be fighting to protect the honour of women and the lives of children and to help the Mother Country in the direst peril of her existence.
Decision should not be delayed. Give in your name to the nearest Government officer and join the colours this day.
W.A. Holman, Premier of New South Wales
With the benefit of historical knowledge, we're sure you'll agree, this certainly makes for chilling reading.
This Anzac Day be sure to remember all who answered the call.