THE REINFORCEMENTS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 19, 17 October 1918, Page 6

THE REINFORCEMENTS

POSTPONEMENT OF MOBILISATION

EXTRA MONTH'S LEAVE FOR

KECKUITS

Defouce Headquarters has decided

that one month's extension of leave shall be granted to all lit A men at

present under orders to proceed to camp with the January, February, and March drafts. It is announced also that any man now tinder orders to proceed to camp with the November draft mny have his leave extended until the January draft. Application for this extension must he made by letter to the Group Commanders on or before October 20. The changes that are being made do not affect the CI drafts. These changes, which affect a large body of men, are not connected directly with the favourable turn of tho. war. Tho camps have contained surplus men, that is, men in training over and above the official strength of the reinforcement drafts, ever since the monthly quota was reduced to its present level. Prior to that reduction, there had been several large ballots, following the increase of the quota in April last, and tho effect of these big ballots is still being felt. The September and October recruit drafts contained enough men for over three reinforcements atthe present quota. The dropping of the, December recruit draft and the early closing of the January and February drafts were results of the surplus in the camps. But there promised still to be men in hand. The situation has been further considered now in the light of the comparatively light casunlties sustained by the New Zealand Division in the recent fighting, the probable reinforcement re-

quirements for next year, and the shipping prospects. By putting hack the unmobilised drafts, the recruiting authorities have in effect dropped another monthly draft. But it .is explained officially that what has been done will not affect New_ Zealand's ability to send forward reinforcements in Regular sequence next vear if the men are still required at the front. The obligations that have been undertaken will continue to be met fully and promptly.