THE CALL FOR MEN

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2873, 11 September 1916, Page 6

THE CALL FOR MEN

ENROL THIS WEEK!

THE DUTY OF RESERVISTS

The number of enrolment forms, and applications for certificates of enrolment, received by the Government Statistician up to Saturday evening represented not more than half of tlio total number of men of military age now included in the 1 two divisions of the Expeditionary Force Reserve. This means that very many thousands of men have not yot performed their duty under the Military Service Act, and the time left them grows short. Tho period allowed for enrolment in tho Reserve expires at tho end of this week, and the man who does not fill up his form within the next few days will he exposing himself to the heavy penalties provided for the "shirkers" under the Act.

The first batch of acknowledgment cards will be sent out from tho offices of tho Government Statistician to-mor-row, and the men who have already filled up their forms may expect to receive these cards within tho next day or two. The acknowledgment is preliminary to the issue of the certificates of enrolment, with which all the members of the Reserve are expected to arm themselves. Tho man of military age who has not got a certificate after the officials have dealt with all tho forms sent to them will rank as a deserter. Ho will be liable to fine and imprisonment, and if he is fit, ho may be sent into camp immediately on detection, without ballot. The Reserve, it may bo repeated, consists of all men of military age in New Zealand, except those who havo already served in the Forces outsido New Zealand during tho present war: Men who served with, the Samoan Force, but were .discharged at their own request., are required to enrol .The business of every man concerned is to see that his namo and address have reached -the Government Statistician, and for that purpose ho must fill up one of tho forms that are now being issued at all post offices. Any man who is in doubt about his position may obtain all the information he requires at a post office.

Apparently there arc some person's still under the impression that thoy nro being asked to join the Rosorvo. That is not tho position at all. Every man of military ago is : a member-of the-* Reserve already, by proclamation under the Military Service Act, and it is as a Reservist that ho is being directed by the Government to secure a certificate of 'enrolment from tho Government Statistician, by filling up one of tho forms provided for that purpose. The time for appeals and objections will come later. A Roservist will have no standing before any tribunal unless ho can produce either his certificate el' enrolment or evidence that ho took the proper steps' to secure one. The onua of proof will be upon him. '■

MARCH OF "ELIGIBLES."

RECRUITING- DEMONSTRATION AT DANNEV'IRKE. By Telegraph—Press Association. Dannevirke, September 9. A striking demonstration was made last evening by a march of "eligibles" in support of registration under tho Military Service Act. Tho Recruiting Committee proposed the parade, which consisted of men in tho district of military age, members of local bodies, friendly societies, and military and civil organisations, making an impressive procession. Tho town was crowded, and the greatest enthusiasm prevailed. A striking feature of the procession was a largo group of fathers of boys at the front, led by Mr. F? Whaler, a local bootmaker, with six sons at tho front, and Mr. P. Frickson, with seven sons in uniform. v The march Was witnessed by tho Hon. W. H. Hemes, who subsequently addressed'a pu'blio'meeting in the Town Hall, explaining the'necessity of enrolment and the obligations under the Military Service Act. Ho stated the Government's intention to carrj it out in its' entirety, and he publicly thanked,.on behalf of the Government, the Recruiting Committees of the Dominion for their whole-hearted support of the Government.

RECRUITING IN WELLINGTON The following additional recruits for the Infantry have been passed as fit in No. 5 Group, Wellington City and Suburbs: — H. E. Lobb, builder, City. P. Kettlowell, dairyman, City. F. Prince, labourer, City. .P. Kettlowell, dairyman, City. W. S. Green, butcher, City. The percentage of rejections on medical grounds among the men offering for service in No. 5 Group is still high,' and' tho number of men accepted represents not much-more than half of tho actual volunteers. The demand for armlets has been so.great that there was a temporary shortage last week. Apparently some men who must be conscious that they.- cannot be accepted for service are registering with the object of securing armlets.. Tho military authorities have no objection to. this course at all; the expressed wish of the Recruiting Board, indeed, is that every man-of military ago who would-be able to serve if accepted shall register and submit to medical examination. Tho man who wears an armlet is a, man who lias offered to join tho Forces. Recruiting officers in Wellington, and also in other parts of tho country, express some surprise that many men ■who receive armlets do not wear them publicly. Exact figures bearing on this point arc not. obtainable, but the khaki armlets, issued to all men who have registered for service, are not seen as frequently in tho streets as they would be if all the men entitled to wear them' did so. The Recruiting Board -has urged on several occasions that if all registered men wore their badges the enlistment of other men would be stimulated, but apparently this argument has not carried weight in all quarters. Tho board has decided against the compulsory wearing of badges, for tho present at any rate.

RECRUITING IN AUCKLAND. Auckland, September 10. During tho past week recruiting in the City Recruiting Station has been very satisfactory, showing a largo increase when compared to the previous fivo "or six weeks.