The Bay of Plenty Beacon Published Mondays Wednesdays and Fridays. MONDAY, 29th. APRIL, 1940 AT DUTY'S CALL

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 153, 29 April 1940, Page 4

The Bay of Plenty Beacon Published Mondays Wednesdays and Fridays. MONDAY, 29th. APRIL, 1940 AT DUTY'S CALL

THE fact that from this district no less than 322 fighting men have been accepted for service in the cause of Empire comes as something of a surprise to the average person, who still has to realise that the war is actually taking place. Figures however tell their own tale and it is with no small pride that we announce that since the opening of hostilities last September no less than 388 men have offered themselves for service abroad. Of this number the 66 turned down for medical reasons have still a chance to become fit, but the great majority of the rejections were on the grounds of the men volunteering, being classified as agriculturalists and therefore in the protected category of primary industry workers. On page 7 of this issue will be seen the list (as near as it has been possible to compile it, from existing records) of the local men who have volunteered up to the time of computation. Since then we understand that others have come forward, bringing the total to approximately 400. In a borough of 2000 and a county population of approximately 5,500, (within a recruiting radius) the number of men who have volunteered within the first eight months of the war is something distinctly to the district's credit. From the officer commanding the military district, comes the warmest praise for the type of volunteer produced. Drawn from all walks of life, the men from Whakatane have made their absence felt in every field of activity. Business and industry have suffered, while in the sporting world the acute shortage of players, has seriously curtailed organised games. It is pleasing to note however that sports promoters are making a determined effort to carry on as and on the face of it are doing very well. Overseas, According to reports the New Zealand contingent is asserting itself in the traditional rugby game by annexing new laurels in the Army competitions. At home we must make the best of the material we have, but as Echelon suceeds Echelon, and as subsequent reinforcements depart, the shortage of players is bound to become chronic. A remarkable feature of the recruiting in this district is the successive inqrease 'in the number offering themselves. The first Echelon took just on sixty men all told, from these parts, the second nearly ninety (including Maoris) while the third bids fair to approximate one hundred and fifty. The position lis reaidily understood, in view of the peculiar nature of the war which did not seem to be real until the first actual naval engagements took place. There can be no doubt whatever that contact with the men of the Achilles acted as a wonderful recruiting stimulous. Another feature is the manner in which the Native Race has responded. There are ninety Maori names an the list, and it is understood that there are. many others eager and willing to enlist, but who are prevented from doing so on account of their responsibilities and protected employment. Reviewing the whole position it is pleasing to reflect that this district has had no diffiqulty in filling it's quota, as each new echelon is formed. The young men from the county and town are determined to live up to the traditions of the former Wliakatane fighting men, and indeed can be retied upon to create new ones of their own.