The Dominion. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1914. RECRUITING

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2336, 18 December 1914, Page 4

The Dominion. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1914. RECRUITING

The position respecting recruiting for the reinforcements which are to be sent to maintain the New Zealand Expeditionary Force at its full strength does not seem to be altogether satisfactory. ' There- appears to be a feeling of doubt and uncertainty in the minds of the public as to the response that is being made to the call for men. No one seems to know whether a sufficient number is coming forward to meet requirements or whether there is a sliortage. Recently, public meetings have been held to stimulate recruiting, and the impression has got abroad that more men are required than are "offering. A few days ago a message from- Christchurch stated that the .quota from that district had not been fully met, and that men who had come forward and been_ accepted had at the last minute failed to parade for transfer to the camp at Trentham. On the other hand we have had complaints locally to the effect that men who in the early stages of the war had volunteered for service and whose names had been taken had heard nothing more of the matter. In the circumstances i t seems desirable that the Defence authorities should make the position quite clear. If there is a shortage, then the fact only requires to be made widely enough known to ensure a ready response. If there ie not a shortage then there is no necessity for citizens' meetings to stimulate recruiting. In England the appeal £or men has been made in the most public fashion possible. The columns of the newspapers have been used to tho fullest possible extent, and many prominent public men have taken to the platform to encourage and stimulate the movement. But the best recruiting agent the nation has had has been misfortune to our Army or disaster to the Allies. Every reverse Britain and her Allies have met with, every successful enterprise of the enemy, has led to a rush of young men- to the recruiting agencies, eager to avenge the loss. The naval raid on the towns on the Yorkshire coast recorded this morning will be certain to give the recruiting movement in I England a great impetus. _Bo long as things appear to be going well with us. we are inclined to overlook our obligations and to view the situation as an v interested onlooker. But when things go wrong or seem to be going wrong, then is the time to see the nation at its best. If there is a shortage of recruits for the next, Force to be sent to the front from Now Zealand it is not due to any unwillingness on the part of the young men of tho country to offer their Eervices. The reason is that no one seems to bo quite certain as to what the position actually is, or whether or not their services_ are really required. More publicity is wanted and more definite information on the subject.