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Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20070, 17 October 1939, Page 11

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MILITARY RESERVE RECRUITING TO CEASE SPECIAL FORCE UNITS ENLISTMENTS PROCEEDING (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. The Minister of Defence, the Hon. F Jones, stated to-day that as there are now sufficient enlistments in the National Military Reserve, it is not intended to ask for further, enrolments. The total enlistments to October 13, he said, were 35,407, which has given the Army Department an adequate number for .-ervice in the three classes of reservists. Recruiting, therefore, will be discontinued as from October 21. On behalf of the Government, Mr. Jones expressed deep appreciation for the splenaicl response and for the enthusiasm of those undergoing training. The Minister emphasised that this statement applied only to the Military Reserve and rot to recruiting for the Special Force tor the latter would be vigorously continued, and those who desired to join the second or third echelon could enlist now though they would not be called up until later. Mr. Jones announced that officers for the second echelon of the Special Force were now being selected throughout Now Zealand. He said that those officers who wished to be included should report and register immediately at the nearest Army Office for examination and selection. Mr. Jones added that the age limits had been increased by five years, which would now c-r.able many officers to serve who had previously been ineligible. The new age limits are: Subalterns, 35; captains, 40; majors, 45: lieut.-colonels, 50. The officers selected for service will enter camp on November 8 for a special training course. Recruiting of other ranks is proceeding as usual, but N.C.O.’s and new men would not be called up until later. As with the cam of officers, however, N.C.O.’s would precede other ranks for a special course of training.