DOMINION'S SUPPLY OF MEN

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3111, 15 June 1917, Page 6

DOMINION'S SUPPLY OF MEN

REINFORCEMENTS MUST BE KEPT UP WHEN CALL MAY COME TO SECOND DIVISION STATEMENT BY MINISTER OF DEFENCE By Telegraph-Press Association. Auckland, Juno 14. Tlie Minister of Defence (Sir James Allen) stated to-day:—"The remaining reserves of the First Division, together with the combing out which must take place before the Second Division is called upon by ballot, should last for four or live months yet. This estimate depends upon the" number of unfit men among those that remain. .1 think, however, there will be no necessity to call upon the Second Division in September. I should say it will be more likely October or November. There are about 120,000 men in the Second Division, and, even if we allow 10,000 for the selection of recruits for each draft, that would mean twelve months' supply." Sir James •Ulen declared that tho Dominion was in honour bound to keep up its reinforcements to the present strength. "New Zealand," he said, "has not done as much in proportion as Britain or France, and people who make comparisons between us and Australia and Canada are, to my mind, onlv seeking to escape instead of trying to "do their duty. Wo have been informed bv the best authorities at Homo that the present percentage of reinforcements is absolutely necessary to keep the New Zealand Division up to strength and no more. There is a question w-Inch we may have to consider," be added; that is whether' it is wise to continue tho district system when wo reach the Second Division, or whether it would not be better to have the ballot from one roll, embracing the whole Dominion. Every district would stand the same chance. he matter has to be considered. ■ Jney were not at present stopping voluntary enlistment in the Second Division but my own opinion," said Sir .Tames Allen, "is that voluntary recruiting should be stopped altogether."