RECRUITING BOARD

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2689, 8 February 1916, Page 6

RECRUITING BOARD

ITS SCHEME IN OPERATION THE FIRST STEPS The initial steps have now been taken for bringing into full effect the scheme of enlistment which has been organised by the Recruiting Board. Letters havo been sent by the board to the Mayors «i boroughs, the chairmen of county councils, and the chairmen of town boards, the close co-oueration of these local governing bodies beina contemplated by the scheme- For every district a separate roll is being prepared giving the namo of every man of military age in the district, with his trade or occupation. In addition a letter has been sent to the chairman of every recruiting organisation suggesting that they be merged into the official committees which will be set up by the Mayors of boroughs and the chairmen of the various local bodies. The latter are requested to so arrange matters that the canvassers to be appointed for the special work of rccruiting shall be representative of each class of tlio community and of the several trades, occupations, aiid professions from which it is hojied to draw recruits. It is trusted that in practice eligible men will be interviewed by men likely to havo the greatest influence over them. Each interviewer will havo a card which in essence will be the same as the national registration card. When the. card has beon filled in with the information desired it will go forward to the group officer. When the latter has copied from it the information he wants he will send it on to the secretary of the Recruiting Board in Wellington, where the cards will bo used as a central register. • The first batch of tlio local rolls, which are so essential a factor in the effective operation of the scheme, will be posted to-night. It has been found impossible to bring the scheme into operation throughout the Dominion on the one day, for the reason that delays are inevitable, while tho rolls for the various districts are being printed. •' It is hoped, however, that the rolls for the districts in both islands will be completed withrn ton days. These rolls, by the way, have involved a formidable amount of labour, no fewer than 312 soparate rolls having to be printed. The design of the arm-badge, the wearing of which is part of the scheme, has not yet been finally approved by the Recruiting Board. An ordpr-in-council has been prepared and will 60 gazetted this week, authorising tho issue of certain distinctive badges. These badges will be ready for issue as soon as the necessary authority has been given. MAYORS AND BOROUGHS. THEIR PART IN THE SCHEME. The following is a copy of the letter which has been addressed by tho Recruiting Board to the Mayors of boroughs throughout the Dominion:— "As members of the Recruiting Board we invite your cordial co-operation in the new scheme of recruiting, as it is necessary that the Defence authorities should have the practical sympathy and assistance of all local bodies and patriotic organisations in the Dominion. "Particulars of. the scheme are enclosed herewith, as well as a copy of the letter we are addressing to the chairman of the existing recruiting, organisations, and Ho those who have assisted recruiting in your borough. You will note that, for its success, it is largely dependent upon the formation of local recruiting committees in every centre, tho suggestion being that tlio members of your-' council should unite with other leading citizens and existing recruiting organisations. "What is wanted more particularly is a well-organised and thoroughly systematic effort to secure every possible recruit during the next few months. Tliis can be best managed by arranging a canvass under which every man of serviceable age who has not already enlisted will be approached bv some person or persons considered by the local committee to be likely to have the most influence with suoh men. Public Meetings. "Prior to the canvass being entered upon, it is suggested that you should call a public meeting of all interested, and arrange for speakers in support of the recruiting movement, and for the enrolment of men and women willing to assist the committee in its recruiting work. 'Any committees formed should be made as representative as possible, and should include persons engaged in every calling and profession. In this way it should he possible to ensure that general interest in the work of recruiting that will make for its success. "The war, as you are doubtless aware, is proving one of attrition, and it is next to impossible to estimate where it may spread or how long it will continue. We know that we have to face a well-prepared, well-organised, well-equipped, and thoroughly unscrupulous foe. It is thus imperative that we should throw every ounce of energy we possess into the scale against Germany, whose success in this war woiild mean German domination of Britain and the British Dominions overseas. Only by united effort and persistent application to the business of the 'war, and by loyally seconding the work of the Motlier Country, can we hope to attain success. "Happily, the spirit in which New •Zealand has faced the war justifies us in believing that the sacrifices already made will be supplemented by further devoted service to the. cause of the Empire. with which.. our. freedom and political independence are inseparably associated. The 34,000 troops 'already sent to the front, and the 12.000 others now .in camp, must be supplemented by four-weekly reinforcements of 2350 men until the end of the war. The National Register shows that these men can be obtained without seriously interfering with the industrial life of the country for some months to come, but the problem before us is to secure tho necessary number of recruits 011 the' voluntary system, with the minimum of friction and tho least possible inconvenience. It is hoped, therefore, that you'and the members of your council will lend us every possible assistance in the-recruit-ing campaign, which must he our first consideration so-long as the demand for men remains. Some Suggestions. "Briefly, it is suggested you can help recruiting 011 the following lines:— "1. By forming your council into a district rccruiting committee, and arranging a public meeting to which the local member of Parliament should., be invited with other members of the Legislature interested in the district; speakers to be arranged for such meeting 011 lines that will appeal to the public. Prominent citizens should be invited to attend and support tlio recruiting movement by joining tho committee. . "2. By arranging for tho formation of sub-committees to take charge of given districts, and become responsible for the canvassing of that district. "3. By allotting to each member of the committee or sub-committees his or her special duties. "4. By appointing a .secretary to take charjjp of the clerical work of the committee, etc. If your town clerk is unable to talc? tho work in Ua-nd. some other person should bs

appointed in an honorary capacity. "5. By remembering that tact and discretion are essential in carrying out the work of recruiting. However much your members may ordinarily differ in their views, may we ask that tlicy should subordinate their opinions and sink their personal differences in the interests of the public good by working upon a uniform plan? It is essential that anything in the nature of victimisation, or inquisitorial or personal questions should be carefully avoided by members of your committee in their dealings with likely recruits. "Wo shall at all times be pleased to render every possible assistance in the efforts you may set 011 foot locally, and trust to receive progress reports of your doings from time to time.—Yours in tlio service of King,- country, and Empire, "(Signed) W. F. MASSEY, (Chairman), "J. G. WARD, , "J.. ALLEN, , "Members of Recruiting Committee." TIIO Help of Legislators. In their letter to members of Parliament, the Rccruiting Board remarks: — "You will see, from the particulars enclosed, that the Rccruiting Board is appealing to county councils, city and borough councils, town boards, and all known existing recruiting agencies and organisation*, to undertake the formation of recruiting committees and the personal canvass of men. May '.ve therefore ask you to get into touch w'th mayors, presidents, and chairmen of local bodies in your electorate, and with others interested in the success of the recruiting movement, and, working through them personally, to see that tlio organisation in your electorate is as complete and effective as it is possible to make it? Your assistance in this way should do much to encourage local effort, and the Recruiting Board will gladly lend you all the assistance in its power." PROMPT ACTION BY THE MAYOR. In connection with the recruiting scheme originated by the Recruiting Board, tlio Mayor (Mr. J. P. Luke), has issued the following circular letter, to members of the Legislature, Mayors of boroughs and chairmen of county councils within the district adjacent to Welliugton;— "Dear Sir, —In connection with, the appeal niado by the Recruiting Board, comprising the Right Hon. W. F. Massey (Prime Minister), chairman; the Right Hon. Sir Joseph Ward (Minister of Finance); and the Hon. Jas. Allen (Minister of Defence), members of the Recruiting Committee, I. have the honour to invite your attendance at a meeting to be held in the Mayor's room, Town Hall, 011 Friday next, the 11th instant, at 8 p.m. "I have also invited'to the meeting, the members of Parliament and Legislative Councillors for the district, and the Mayors of Ksrori, Miramar, Onslow, Petone, Lower Hutt, and Eastbourne, the chairmcn of the Makara and Hutt County Councils, and the Johnsonville and Upper Hutt Town Boards.