SPECIAL FORCE

Evening Star, Issue 23370, 13 September 1939, Page 5

SPECIAL FORCE

6,655 REGISTRATIONS FIRST DAY A FINE RESPONSE [From Oor Parliamentary Reporter.] J ust« before the House of Representatives rose at 10.30 p.m., the Hon F. Jones (Minister of Defence) announced that a total of 6,655 registrations of volunteers for the military force which is being recruited for service within or beyond New Zealand had been made up till 9 o’clock to-night. The Minister said that the ready response of the young men of New Zealand had been most striking. In addition, there had been a wonderful response to the appeal for recruits for the Air Force. “ I think that members will join with me in expressing appreciation to the young men who have responded so well to the appeal that has been made,” Mr Jones said. His announcement was greeted with a round of applause by, members. The registrations were made up as follows: NORTHERN MILITARY DISTRICT. Auckland 1,279 Paeroa ... 466 Whangarei 356 Hamilton ... 530 Total 2,631 CENTRAL MILITARY DISTRICT. Wellington 1,157 Wanganui 353 Napier ... 540 Hawera 444 Total 2,494 SOUTHERN MILITARY DISTRICT. Christchurch ; ... 620 Dunedin 330 Nelson 300 Invercargill 280 Total ... 1,530 Grand total ... 6,655 FIGURES AT MAIN CENTRES AUCKLAND, September 12. With only one day’s recruiting completed, . 2,631 young men of the Northern Military District have volunteered for the special' military force of 6,600 being raised for service within or beyond New Zealand, When the Drill Hall in Rutland street closed at 9 o’clock to-night, 1,279 recruits had been registered from the city and suburban areas. In addition, Whanarei, Dargaville, Hamilton, Te Kuiti, Paeroa, Waihi, Morrinsville, Tanranga, and Rotorua, handled. 1,352 enlistments, while an unknown number of volunteers, filled in the registration forms at various post offices where they are available. The quota required from the district is 2,200. Further recruits are being taken up to noon on Saturday, and from the combined total, which includes men who registered last week, will be chosen 2,200 to go into camp for training. All types and occupations were among the recruits. Some were obviously Civil servants, others mechanics, lorry drivers, clerks, farmers, and labourers, Maoris as well as Europeans. Their physique also differed. In general, it appeared to be of a high standard. If it was difficult to realise that the young yndn were _ all there to take up arms for their country, it was quite evident that they all wanted to be in the first 2,200, and that they definitely hoped that “ for service within or beyond New Zealand ” meant beyond New Zealand. WELLINGTON, September 12. From shops, offices, fields, and workshops, 1,157 young men of Wellington, answered the call to-day for volunteers for military service at home or overseas. Every man coveted the honour of being in the first 6,600, and there was not one who was not over-confident that he would pass any medical test. CHRISTCHURCH, September 12. The Christchurch enlistments on the first day of recruiting for the special New Zealand force which is being raised for service within or beyond New Zealand totalled 432. They were enrolled to-day at the Army Department’s temporary recruiting office at Canterbury College Students’ Union building. Though more than 100 volunteers were waiting for the office to open, the early rate of applications was not subsequently maintained. “ I had hoped that it would be much better,” was the only comment made by Colonel P. H, Bell, officer commanding the Southern Military District. PALMERSTON N., September 12. The first steps to place a company of the National Military Reserve on an organised footing was taken in Palmerston North to-night, when approximately 300 ex-servicemen offered their services. This number is sufficient for two companies, although Palmerston North has been allotted only one company so far. GISBORNE, September 12. An enthusiastic meeting of Maori elders to-day decided to renew to the Government the offer made in 1914 to recruit a Maori regiment for service' beside and on identical terms with any European force raised in New Zealand.