LORD DERBY'S RECRUITING SCHEME

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2662, 6 January 1916, Page 5

LORD DERBY'S RECRUITING SCHEME

THE OFFICIAL REPORT NUMBER OF SHIRKERS FAR FROM NEGLIGIBLE By Telcsropli—Press Association—Gopyrielit London, January 4., Lord Derby's report states that 1,1:50,000 xinmarried and 1,679,263 married men (a total oi 2,829,263) enlisted, attested, or were rejected, out of 2,179,231 unmarried and 2,832,210 married men available. Six hundred and fifty-one thousand "unstarred" unmaiTied men were not accounted for. The report states that many difficulties have arisen from the "starring" system (of men exempt by other service from military duty), which has been a distinct hindrance instead of an assistance, especially in rural areas, where many men claimed to bo starred who had no claim, The starring has been unreliable, and must be carefully investigated in all the industries, to prevent available men escaping. Many married men would lave enljsted, but were barred by domestic, financial, or business obligations, especially professional and commercial men, who were obliged to meet liabilities for rent, insurances, and interest on loans. Many unmarried men were in the same position. Another deterrent was the unfairness of some men enlisting while others secured lucratiye employment. A very large number were willing to enlist "if So-and-So enlisted." The canvass distinctly shows that it is not courage that is keeping the men back. There is abundant ovidence of determination to see the war through successfully. In conclusion, commenting on the 651,060 nnstarred men who did not attest, Lord Derby says: "This is far from negligible. lam distinctly of opinion that, in order to redeem Mr. Asquith's pledge, it is impossible to hold the married men to their attestation unless the service of the unmarried is obtained by other means, the present system having failed to bring them to the Colours. The starred unmarried men should be replaced by older and married men where possible. The list of reserved occupation, is growing too large." The report adds that 1,070,478 men attested in the last four days irndor the schcme. Of the 651,000 men who did not attest, less than 200,000 are actually available. • NUMBER OF MEN ACTUALLY AVAILABLE IS 831,012. London, January 4. The net number of attestations, after deducting the "starred," rejected, and unfit, is estimated at 343,386 unmarried and 487,626 married men, a total of 831,012.' "Derby Groups" 6 to 9, of ages 23 to 26, will bo called up on February 8,